May 2025 · Metropolitan area · BLS OEWS
Salaries in Columbia
Columbia, MO
336 occupations
Across 336 occupations with published wages in Columbia, physicians, all other record the highest median at $312,080 per year.
Highest-paying occupations in Columbia
Largest occupations by employment
| Occupation | Jobs | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | 3,680 | $84,330 |
| General and Operations Managers | 3,440 | $75,410 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 3,000 | $36,860 |
| Retail Salespersons | 2,610 | $31,390 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | 2,470 | $29,110 |
| Cashiers | 2,340 | $29,910 |
| Office Clerks, General | 2,330 | $44,730 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | 2,120 | $29,250 |
| Nursing Assistants | 2,040 | $41,290 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 1,880 | $34,720 |
Lowest-paying occupations
| Occupation | Median | Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $28,600 | 80 |
| Bartenders | $28,600 | 680 |
| Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop | $28,600 | 380 |
| Childcare Workers | $29,070 | 470 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | $29,110 | 2,470 |
| Physical Therapist Aides | $29,130 | 40 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | $29,250 | 2,120 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $29,390 | 1,410 |
| Food Preparation Workers | $29,710 | 470 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $29,860 | 440 |
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Wages are for wage-and-salary workers; self-employed workers are not included. Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.