Overview Salaries

Salaries in Columbus, NE

Updated on Jul 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Columbus, NE?

The average salary in Columbus, NE is $53,649 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Columbus, NE, showing an average salary of $53,649 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Columbus, NE, showing an average salary of $4,471 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Columbus, NE, showing an average salary of $1,032 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 varying salary opportunities. The average yearly salary in the area stands at around $53,649. This figure provides a broad understanding of the earning potential in the region. Many job seekers find that salaries align closely with this average across different industries.


The salary distribution shows a range from $28,200 to $136,620. The most common salary falls around $38,056. Key industries contributing to these earnings include retail, healthcare, and education. These sectors represent a significant portion of the local workforce, offering competitive compensation packages. The data suggests that with the right skills and experience, individuals can find fulfilling and well-compensated roles in Columbus.

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What are the best paying jobs in Columbus, NE?

Columbus, NE offers many opportunities for job seekers aiming for a good salary. CDL Drivers enjoy some of the highest earnings, with an average salary of around $86,924. Other top-paying roles include Registered Nurses and Automotive Technicians, with average salaries of $83,757 and $73,058 respectively. These jobs provide a chance for financial stability and career growth. Each of these positions demands specific skills, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Job seekers in Columbus can find rewarding and well-paying careers in these fields.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Columbus, NE, highlighting CDL Driver with the highest at $86,924 and Machine Operator with the lowest at $40,436.

  1. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $86,924
    Drive large vehicles to transport goods. Work for companies like local trucking firms. Columbus offers many opportunities for those in this field.
    Find CDL Driver jobs in Columbus, NE


  2. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $83,757
    Provide medical care and support. Work in local hospitals or clinics. This job is essential for healthcare in Columbus.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Columbus, NE


  3. Automotive Technician
    Average Salary: $73,058
    Diagnose and fix vehicle issues. Work at auto repair shops. Columbus has many shops looking for skilled technicians.
    Find Automotive Technician jobs in Columbus, NE


  4. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $62,578
    Provide basic medical care. Work in hospitals, clinics, or care homes. The demand for LPNs is steady in Columbus.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Columbus, NE


  5. CNC Machinist
    Average Salary: $52,486
    Operate and program CNC machines. Work in manufacturing for companies like local factories. Columbus offers various roles in this area.
    Find CNC Machinist jobs in Columbus, NE


  6. Maintenance Technician
    Average Salary: $52,180
    Repair and maintain equipment. Work for businesses, schools, or government. Many maintenance jobs exist in the area.
    Find Maintenance Technician jobs in Columbus, NE


  7. Social Worker
    Average Salary: $43,686
    Help individuals and families. Work in community organizations or schools. Social workers are needed to support the community.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Columbus, NE


  8. Operator
    Average Salary: $42,940
    Run machinery in factories. Work for local manufacturing companies. This job requires precision and attention to safety.
    Find Operator jobs in Columbus, NE


  9. Family Support Specialist
    Average Salary: $42,629
    Assist families with resources and support. Work for community services or non-profits. Help improve family well-being in Columbus.
    Find Family Support Specialist jobs in Columbus, NE


  10. Machine Operator
    Average Salary: $40,436
    Run and monitor machines. Work in factories or production plants. This job is vital for manufacturing in the area.
    Find Machine Operator jobs in Columbus, NE

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

Job seekers in Columbus, NE, have several opportunities to earn a good living without needing a degree. Positions such as Restaurant Manager and Line Cook offer the highest pay, with averages around $36,757 and $33,879, respectively. These roles require skills in leadership and food preparation, with no degree necessary. Additionally, Lawn Care Technicians, Housekeeping staff, Servers, and Baristas provide competitive salaries. Lawn Care Technicians earn around $33,332, while Housekeeping workers make about $30,488. Servers earn approximately $30,042 and Baristas around $28,843. These jobs offer practical experience and good income potential.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Columbus, NE without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $36,757 and Barista with the lowest at $28,843.

  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $36,757
    Oversee restaurant operations. Train and manage staff. Ensure a great dining experience. Popular employers include various local eateries.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Columbus, NE


  2. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $33,879
    Prepare food in a fast-paced environment. Follow recipes and kitchen standards. Work in local restaurants and cafes.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Columbus, NE


  3. Lawn Care Technician
    Average Salary: $33,332
    Maintain lawns and gardens. Cut grass, trim shrubs, and plant flowers. Service residential and commercial properties.
    Find Lawn Care Technician jobs in Columbus, NE


  4. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $30,488
    Clean and maintain rooms. Replenish supplies and ensure a tidy environment. Work in hotels, motels, and private homes.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Columbus, NE


  5. Server
    Average Salary: $30,042
    Serve food and drinks to customers. Take orders and deliver food. Work in various dining establishments.
    Find Server jobs in Columbus, NE


  6. Barista
    Average Salary: $28,843
    Prepare coffee and other beverages. Serve customers with a smile. Work in coffee shops and cafes.
    Find Barista jobs in Columbus, NE

Which companies offer the top salaries in Columbus, NE?

Job seekers in Columbus, NE, will find attractive salaries at top-paying companies in the area. Nebraska Public Power District leads with an average salary of $83,814, offering a strong financial incentive for those seeking employment. Following closely, BD provides an average salary of $60,278, reflecting competitive compensation in this sector. Cargill and Valmont Industries also offer competitive wages, with average salaries of $56,765 and $49,819, respectively. Midwest Covenant Home and Associated Staffing Incorporated round out the list with average salaries of $49,343 and $47,922. These companies present good opportunities for professionals looking for rewarding positions in Columbus.
Graph displaying company salaries in Columbus, NE, highlighting Nebraska Public Power District with the highest at $83,814 and Right At Home with the lowest at $33,698.

  1. Nebraska Public Power District
    Average Salary: $83,814
    Nebraska Public Power District offers a variety of jobs in power generation and distribution. They are known for providing competitive salaries and benefits.


  2. BD
    Average Salary: $60,278
    BD focuses on medical technologies, life sciences, and diagnostic equipment. They value their employees and offer good compensation.


  3. Cargill
    Average Salary: $56,765
    Cargill is a global leader in food and agriculture. They provide many job opportunities with a solid salary and benefits package.


  4. Valmont Industries
    Average Salary: $49,819
    Valmont Industries specializes in manufacturing products for infrastructure and energy. They offer competitive wages and growth opportunities.


  5. Midwest Covenant Home
    Average Salary: $49,343
    Midwest Covenant Home provides care and housing services. They value their staff and offer good salaries for their roles.


  6. Associated Staffing Incorporated
    Average Salary: $47,922
    This staffing agency connects workers with various job opportunities. They provide good pay and flexible work options.


  7. State of Nebraska
    Average Salary: $43,361
    The State of Nebraska offers a range of jobs in government services. They provide stable employment and benefits.


  8. Caesars Entertainment
    Average Salary: $38,436
    Caesars Entertainment operates hotels and casinos. They offer various positions with good pay for the area.


  9. Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska, Inc.
    Average Salary: $35,383
    Goodwill Industries focuses on job training and employment services. They offer decent wages and support for career growth.


  10. Right At Home
    Average Salary: $33,698
    Right At Home provides in-home care services. They offer good compensation for their caregivers.

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

Columbus, NE, offers a lower cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The overall cost of living index for Columbus stands at 89, which is 11% below the national average of 100. This reduced cost can make living in Columbus more affordable, especially in areas such as housing and utilities, which are 18% and 10% below the national average, respectively.
Cost of living comparison graph for Columbus, NE vs. Nationwide: housing 18% lower, groceries 8% lower, utilities 10% lower, transportation 12% lower, healthcare 5% lower, miscellaneous 13% lower.

The cost of living in Columbus, NE, presents an attractive alternative for professional job seekers when compared to the nationwide average. The Columbus cost of living index stands at 89, which is 11% lower than the average of 100. Lower housing costs significantly contribute to this difference, with Columbus's housing index at 82, which is 18% below the average. This reduction makes housing more affordable, which is an important factor for many individuals and families.


In addition to housing, other major living expenses in Columbus also reflect this lower cost of living. For instance, groceries cost 92, which is 2% less than the average. Utilities and transportation each show only minor differences from the average, with indices of 90 and 88, respectively. Healthcare costs in Columbus are slightly higher at 95, which is 5% above the average, but the overall cost of living remains competitive. The miscellaneous category also shows a slight decrease, with an index of 87, which is 13% below the nationwide average. These figures highlight that Columbus offers a more affordable living environment in most key areas.

There are 225 job openings in Columbus, NE, today!

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Columbus, NE
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