Overview Salaries

Salaries in Columbus, NE

Updated on May 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Columbus, NE?

The average salary in Columbus, NE is $53,485 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Columbus, NE, showing an average salary of $53,485 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Columbus, NE, showing an average salary of $4,457 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Columbus, NE, showing an average salary of $1,029 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Columbus, NE, showing an average salary of $26 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Columbus, NE offers a diverse job market with a wide range of salaries. The average yearly salary in the area is approximately $53,485. This figure shows a good potential for income. The range of salaries provides various opportunities for different skill levels and industries.


Here are some of the top industries and the salaries you can expect in Columbus, NE:

  • Retail: $28,200
  • Construction: $38,409
  • Manufacturing: $48,618
  • Healthcare: $58,827
  • Information Technology: $69,036
  • Finance: $79,245
  • Education: $89,455
  • Engineering: $99,664
  • Sales: $109,873
  • Management: $120,082
  • Architecture: $130,291
  • Law: $140,500

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What are the best paying jobs in Columbus, NE?

Job seekers looking for high-paying opportunities in Columbus, NE, will find several promising roles. The top-paying job is a CDL Driver, with an average salary of nearly $86,000. Registered Nurses also earn well, with salaries averaging about $83,000. These positions offer good earning potential and stability. Other lucrative jobs in Columbus include Licensed Practical Nurse, CNC Machinist, and Maintenance Technician. These roles typically pay more than $50,000 annually, providing a solid income for skilled workers. General Managers and Social Workers also enjoy competitive salaries, with averages over $50,000. Such opportunities can lead to a rewarding and financially secure career in Columbus.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Columbus, NE, highlighting CDL Driver with the highest at $86,189 and Machine Operator with the lowest at $40,194.

  1. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $86,189
    Drive large vehicles to transport goods. Companies like local logistics firms offer good pay. CDL required; experience helps.
    Find CDL Driver jobs in Columbus, NE


  2. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $83,128
    Provide patient care and health education. Hospitals and clinics are hiring. RN license and strong communication skills needed.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Columbus, NE


  3. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $64,723
    Support doctors and nurses in patient care. Health care facilities offer good benefits. LPN certification and good bedside manner are essential.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Columbus, NE


  4. CNC Machinist
    Average Salary: $52,861
    Operate and maintain CNC machines. Manufacturing companies look for skilled workers. Certification in CNC machining is beneficial.
    Find CNC Machinist jobs in Columbus, NE


  5. Maintenance Technician
    Average Salary: $51,753
    Fix and maintain machinery and equipment. Facilities and industrial plants are hiring. Technical training and problem-solving skills are needed.
    Find Maintenance Technician jobs in Columbus, NE


  6. General Manager
    Average Salary: $50,858
    Oversee daily operations of a business. Retail and hospitality companies seek experienced managers. Leadership and organizational skills are crucial.
    Find General Manager jobs in Columbus, NE


  7. Social Worker
    Average Salary: $43,725
    Help individuals and families with social issues. Agencies and schools are hiring. A degree in social work and empathy are important.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Columbus, NE


  8. Operator
    Average Salary: $43,017
    Run machines and oversee production. Manufacturing plants look for skilled operators. Training and attention to detail are needed.
    Find Operator jobs in Columbus, NE


  9. Family Support Specialist
    Average Salary: $42,579
    Offer support and resources to families. Nonprofits and government agencies seek compassionate professionals. A background in social services is helpful.
    Find Family Support Specialist jobs in Columbus, NE


  10. Machine Operator
    Average Salary: $40,194
    Run and monitor machines in a factory. Manufacturing companies need skilled operators. Training and the ability to follow instructions are needed.
    Find Machine Operator jobs in Columbus, NE

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

Columbus, Nebraska, offers several high-paying jobs that do not need a college degree. The top earners include restaurant managers who can make around $36,696 a year. These roles often involve managing staff, handling finances, and ensuring customers have a great experience. Additionally, line cooks in Columbus can earn about $33,879 annually. This job requires preparing meals, working under pressure, and following recipes. Other well-paid positions include lawn care technicians, housekeeping staff, servers, and baristas. These jobs provide good pay and opportunities to develop valuable skills.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Columbus, NE without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $36,696 and Barista with the lowest at $29,071.

  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $36,696
    Manage day-to-day restaurant operations. Oversee staff, ensure smooth customer service, and maintain high standards. Work with local chains and independent eateries.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Columbus, NE


  2. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $33,879
    Prepare ingredients and cook food in busy kitchens. Follow recipes and ensure quality. Opportunities exist at local diners and cafes.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Columbus, NE


  3. Lawn Care Technician
    Average Salary: $33,588
    Maintain lawns and gardens for residential properties. Mow, trim, and plant under supervision. Serve homeowners and landscaping businesses.
    Find Lawn Care Technician jobs in Columbus, NE


  4. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $30,458
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels or other accommodations. Ensure a safe and tidy environment. Job options available at local hotels and motels.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Columbus, NE


  5. Server
    Average Salary: $29,557
    Take orders and serve food and beverages to customers. Ensure a pleasant dining experience. Work at local restaurants and cafes.
    Find Server jobs in Columbus, NE


  6. Barista
    Average Salary: $29,071
    Prepare and serve coffee and other drinks. Interact with customers and suggest menu items. Opportunities at coffee shops and local cafes.
    Find Barista jobs in Columbus, NE

Which companies offer the top salaries in Columbus, NE?

Companies in Columbus, NE, offer competitive salaries across various industries. The top-paying company is the Nebraska Public Power District, with an average salary of $83,899. Other high-paying employers include BD and Mosaic, with average salaries around $61,000 and $60,300 respectively. Job seekers interested in securing a higher salary might explore opportunities with Cargill and Valmont Industries, which also offer salaries around $56,000 and $50,000. Companies like Vishay, Associated Staffing Incorporated, and the State of Nebraska provide salaries in the mid-$40,000 range. With a variety of industries represented, Columbus presents numerous options for those seeking attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying company salaries in Columbus, NE, highlighting Nebraska Public Power District with the highest at $83,899 and Caesars Entertainment with the lowest at $37,918.

  1. Nebraska Public Power District
    Average Salary: $83,899
    Nebraska Public Power District operates as a utility company providing electric power to its customers. They offer competitive salaries and benefits, including opportunities for career growth.


  2. BD
    Average Salary: $61,032
    BD, formerly Becton, Dickinson and Company, is a medical technology company. They provide jobs in various sectors, including medical devices and pharmaceuticals. BD offers good salaries and benefits packages.


  3. Mosaic
    Average Salary: $60,319
    Mosaic is a global producer and marketer of phosphate and potash crop nutrients. They offer roles in agriculture, sales, and engineering. Mosaic provides competitive compensation and a positive work environment.


  4. Cargill
    Average Salary: $56,300
    Cargill is one of the largest privately-owned companies in the United States. It operates in agriculture, food, and financial sectors. Cargill offers diverse career opportunities with good salaries.


  5. Valmont Industries
    Average Salary: $49,892
    Valmont Industries produces and manufactures agricultural, lighting, and industrial solutions. They offer roles in engineering, manufacturing, and sales. Valmont provides stable jobs with good compensation.


  6. Midwest Covenant Home
    Average Salary: $49,343
    Midwest Covenant Home is a non-profit organization providing assisted living, memory care, and independent living. They offer opportunities in healthcare and support roles with decent salaries.


  7. Vishay
    Average Salary: $47,862
    Vishay Intertechnology is a global manufacturer of electronic components. They offer jobs in engineering, manufacturing, and sales. Vishay provides competitive pay and benefits.


  8. Associated Staffing Incorporated
    Average Salary: $47,253
    Associated Staffing Incorporated provides staffing and employment services. They offer jobs in various industries with fair compensation packages.


  9. State of Nebraska
    Average Salary: $43,609
    The State of Nebraska offers a wide range of jobs in government sectors. They provide stable employment with competitive salaries and benefits.


  10. Caesars Entertainment
    Average Salary: $37,918
    Caesars Entertainment operates casinos and hotels worldwide. They offer opportunities in hospitality, entertainment, and management with decent salaries.

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

Columbus, NE, boasts a cost of living index that is 94, reflecting a 4% lower cost of living than the nationwide average of 100. This makes Columbus an attractive option for individuals and families looking to manage expenses effectively without sacrificing quality of life. Lower housing, transportation, and miscellaneous costs contribute significantly to this advantageous index, allowing residents to allocate resources more efficiently.
Cost of living comparison graph for Columbus, NE vs. Nationwide: housing 13% lower, groceries 8% lower, utilities 2% lower, transportation 11% lower, healthcare 5% lower, miscellaneous 10% lower.

Columbus, NE, presents a favorable cost of living compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. In the housing sector, Columbus’s cost of living index stands at 87, indicating that housing costs here are 13% lower than the national average. This lower cost makes it easier for individuals and families to find affordable housing options in the area.


Additionally, the grocery index in Columbus is 92, showing that food expenses are only 8% below the national average. This means that grocery shopping in Columbus is relatively inexpensive compared to other places. Utilities and healthcare also have lower costs relative to the national average, with indices of 98 and 95, respectively. Transportation costs are slightly lower at 89, and miscellaneous costs are 90. Overall, living in Columbus, NE, offers a cost-effective lifestyle compared to many other areas across the country.

There are 353 job openings in Columbus, NE, today!

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Columbus, NE
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