Salaries in Columbus, NE

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
City
Salary

What is the average salary in Columbus, NE?

The average salary in Columbus, NE is $50,913 per year.

The average salary in Columbus, NE, stands at around $50,913. This figure offers a snapshot of the earning potential across various industries. Salaries range from $26,000 to $127,000, depending on the job role and experience.


Some of the top-paying industries include healthcare, education, and professional services. For example, healthcare professionals can earn upwards of $117,000, while those in education and professional services often see salaries around $99,000. These figures highlight the diverse opportunities available for job seekers in Columbus, NE.

View jobs in Columbus, NE

What are the best paying jobs in Columbus, NE?

Columbus, NE offers a range of high-paying job opportunities for skilled professionals. The top-paying jobs include roles such as Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, and Registered Behavior Technician. These positions provide competitive salaries and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community. Other well-compensated jobs in Columbus include CNC Machinist, Maintenance Technician, and General Manager. These roles require specialized skills and experience, but they offer rewarding career paths with good earning potential. Job seekers with the right qualifications can find excellent opportunities in these fields.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Columbus, NE, highlighting Registered Nurse with the highest at $79,504 and Material Handler with the lowest at $39,933.
  1. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $79,504
    Registered Nurses provide and coordinate patient care. They work in hospitals and clinics, ensuring patients receive the best care. Opportunities exist with local healthcare providers.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Columbus, NE


  2. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $62,933
    Licensed Practical Nurses assist doctors and registered nurses. They provide basic patient care and monitor vital signs. They work in hospitals and care facilities, offering stable employment.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Columbus, NE


  3. Registered Behavior Technician
    Average Salary: $53,684
    Registered Behavior Technicians work with individuals with developmental disorders. They implement behavior plans and track progress. They often collaborate with schools and therapy centers.
    Find Registered Behavior Technician jobs in Columbus, NE


  4. CNC Machinist
    Average Salary: $51,822
    CNC Machinists operate computer-controlled machines. They produce precise parts for various industries. They work in manufacturing plants, ensuring high-quality production.
    Find CNC Machinist jobs in Columbus, NE


  5. Maintenance Technician
    Average Salary: $51,612
    Maintenance Technicians repair and maintain equipment. They ensure facilities run smoothly and safely. They work in industrial settings, offering hands-on job satisfaction.
    Find Maintenance Technician jobs in Columbus, NE


  6. General Manager
    Average Salary: $50,187
    General Managers oversee daily operations. They manage staff and ensure customer satisfaction. They work in retail and hospitality, providing leadership opportunities.
    Find General Manager jobs in Columbus, NE


  7. Operator
    Average Salary: $42,365
    Operators run machinery and equipment. They follow safety protocols and production schedules. They work in manufacturing, ensuring quality output.
    Find Operator jobs in Columbus, NE


  8. Service Coordinator
    Average Salary: $42,059
    Service Coordinators manage customer service and support. They handle inquiries and resolve issues. They work in various industries, ensuring customer satisfaction.
    Find Service Coordinator jobs in Columbus, NE


  9. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $40,853
    Restaurant Managers oversee daily operations. They manage staff and ensure customer satisfaction. They work in the food industry, offering dynamic job experiences.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Columbus, NE


  10. Material Handler
    Average Salary: $39,933
    Material Handlers move and store materials. They ensure inventory is accurate and available. They work in warehouses, providing essential support to operations.
    Find Material Handler jobs in Columbus, NE

What are the best paying jobs in Columbus, NE without a degree?

Columbus, NE, offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. Train operators earn the most, with an average salary of $45,436 per year. Restaurant managers also make a good income, averaging $36,554 annually. Other well-paying jobs include lawn care technicians, line cooks, and housekeeping staff. These roles provide stable earnings and opportunities for growth. Each of these positions offers a chance to earn a solid income without needing a degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Columbus, NE without a degree, highlighting Train Operator with the highest at $45,436 and Barista with the lowest at $27,863.
  1. Train Operator
    Average Salary: $45,436
    Drive and operate trains to transport passengers and goods. Follow safety protocols and schedules. Work for companies like BNSF Railway.
    Find Train Operator jobs in Columbus, NE


  2. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $36,554
    Oversee daily operations of a restaurant. Manage staff, handle customer service, and ensure smooth service. Work for local eateries like The Local Table.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Columbus, NE


  3. Lawn Care Technician
    Average Salary: $33,746
    Maintain lawns and gardens. Perform tasks like mowing, trimming, and planting. Work for local landscaping companies such as Green Thumb Lawn Care.
    Find Lawn Care Technician jobs in Columbus, NE


  4. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $33,192
    Prepare ingredients and cook food in a fast-paced kitchen. Follow recipes and ensure food quality. Work for restaurants like The Corner Café.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Columbus, NE


  5. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $30,255
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels or motels. Ensure a clean and comfortable environment for guests. Work for local hotels like Best Western.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Columbus, NE


  6. Server
    Average Salary: $29,543
    Take orders and serve food and drinks to customers. Provide excellent service and ensure a pleasant dining experience. Work for restaurants like The Local Table.
    Find Server jobs in Columbus, NE


  7. Barista
    Average Salary: $27,863
    Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Interact with customers and ensure a welcoming atmosphere. Work for local coffee shops like The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
    Find Barista jobs in Columbus, NE

Which companies offer the top salaries in Columbus, NE?

Job seekers in Columbus, NE, can find competitive salaries at several companies. Nebraska Public Power District offers the highest average salary at $78,956. BD follows closely with an average salary of $62,446. These companies provide attractive compensation packages, making them top choices for those seeking well-paying jobs in the area. Other notable employers include Cargill, Vishay, and Valmont Industries, all offering salaries above $46,000. Associated Staffing Incorporated, the State of Nebraska, Caesars Entertainment, Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska, Inc., and Pizza Ranch also provide good earning opportunities. These companies show a range of industries with good pay, making Columbus a promising place for job seekers.
Graph displaying company salaries in Columbus, NE, highlighting Nebraska Public Power District with the highest at $78,956 and Pizza Ranch with the lowest at $33,792.
  1. Nebraska Public Power District
    Average Salary: $78,956
    Nebraska Public Power District offers jobs in energy production and management. They focus on providing reliable and affordable power to their customers.


  2. BD
    Average Salary: $62,446
    BD, also known as Becton, Dickinson and Company, provides medical technologies, instruments, and supplies. They focus on improving health care outcomes around the world.


  3. Cargill
    Average Salary: $52,442
    Cargill is a global leader in food and agriculture. They offer a variety of jobs in supply chain, production, and distribution.


  4. Vishay
    Average Salary: $47,605
    Vishay Intertechnology manufactures electronic components. They focus on providing high-quality components for various industries.


  5. Valmont Industries
    Average Salary: $46,685
    Valmont Industries designs and manufactures products for the energy and agriculture sectors. They focus on sustainable solutions for their customers.


  6. Associated Staffing Incorporated
    Average Salary: $46,247
    Associated Staffing Incorporated offers staffing and employment services. They help connect job seekers with employers in various industries.


  7. State of Nebraska
    Average Salary: $43,190
    The State of Nebraska provides a wide range of jobs in government services. They focus on serving the needs of the state's residents.


  8. Caesars Entertainment
    Average Salary: $38,486
    Caesars Entertainment operates casinos and hotels. They offer jobs in hospitality, entertainment, and management.


  9. Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska, Inc.
    Average Salary: $34,926
    Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska, Inc. provides job training and employment services. They focus on helping individuals gain skills and find meaningful work.


  10. Pizza Ranch
    Average Salary: $33,792
    Pizza Ranch is a family-owned restaurant chain. They offer jobs in food service, hospitality, and management.

How does the cost of living in Columbus, NE compare to the national average?

Columbus, NE, offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the nationwide average. The overall cost of living index for Columbus stands at 91, which is 9% below the national average of 100. This makes housing, groceries, and utilities more affordable for residents and job seekers. For instance, housing costs in Columbus are 15% lower than the average, while groceries and utilities are only 5% and 10% below the national figures, respectively.
Cost of living comparison graph for Columbus, NE vs. Nationwide: housing 15% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 10% lower, transportation 12% lower, healthcare 2% lower, miscellaneous 8% lower.

Columbus, NE, offers a cost of living that is notably lower than the nationwide average. The housing index in Columbus stands at 85, which is 15% below the national average. This means that housing expenses in Columbus are more affordable, making it an attractive option for those looking to save on their living costs. Additionally, groceries in Columbus are priced at 95, which is 5% below the average, providing some relief for daily food expenses.


Utilities in Columbus are slightly below the average, with an index of 90, representing a 10% decrease. This reduction in utility costs can contribute to overall savings. Transportation costs are also lower, with an index of 88, which is 12% below the average. This makes commuting and other transportation needs more budget-friendly. Healthcare costs are slightly higher, with an index of 98, which is 2% above the average, but this is still relatively minor compared to the savings seen in other areas. Miscellaneous expenses, with an index of 92, are 8% below the average, further enhancing the affordability of living in Columbus.

There are 518 job openings in Columbus, NE, today!

Take a deeper dive into the job market in Columbus, NE

Discover what it's like to work in Columbus, NE. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
City
Overview
Columbus, NE
518 Job Openings