Top Paying Jobs in Columbia, MO
Columbia, MO has 100 tracked occupation categories totaling 23,550 jobs. The highest-paying occupations include Physicians, All Other ($312,080), Nurse Anesthetists ($310,170), Dentists, General ($207,450). The cost of living index is 89.44 (national average = 100). Median 2-bedroom rent is $1,160/month.
$97K
Avg. median salary
89.44
Cost of living index
$1,160
Median 2BR rent
N/A
Population
Highest paying careers in Columbia
| Rank | Occupation | Category | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Physics Teachers, Postsecondary | Education | $107K | N/A |
| 22 | Construction Managers | Management | $106K | $51.06/hr |
| 23 | Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers | Management | $106K | $50.79/hr |
| 24 | Administrative Services Managers | Management | $106K | $50.79/hr |
| 25 | Engineers, All Other | Engineering | $105K | $50.36/hr |
| 26 | Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other | Healthcare | $103K | $49.3/hr |
| 27 | Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary | Education | $102K | N/A |
| 28 | Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers | Engineering | $102K | $48.94/hr |
| 29 | Financial Risk Specialists | Business & Finance | $102K | $48.83/hr |
| 30 | Industrial Engineers | Engineering | $101K | $48.62/hr |
Affordability snapshot: Columbia
Cost of living vs. national average-10.6% less expensive
2-bedroom apartment (FMR)$1,160/mo
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