Business & Finance Columbia, MO Pop. 126,254

Accountant Salary in Columbia, Missouri

The median accountant salary in Columbia, MO is $70,294 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 0.0% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$70,294
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-9,586
Cost of Living
88%

Accountant Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median accountant salary of $70,294, which is $0 above the Missouri state average of $70,294. Compared to the national median of $79,880, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Columbia's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $70,294 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $79,880 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbia an attractive option for accountants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for accountants in Columbia spans from $44,352 at the 10th percentile to $116,864 at the 90th percentile — a $72,512 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,760, while senior accountants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $105,600. With a population of 126,254, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Accountant Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level accountant earns around $45,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,760
$-6,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,400
$-9,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,600
$-14,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MO

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $44,352
25th Percentile $55,176
Median (50th) $70,294
75th Percentile $90,112
90th Percentile $116,864

Accountant Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$73,490
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$71,892
Pop. 301,578
Independence, MO
$67,898
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$65,502
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Accountant in Columbia

Education

Most accountant positions require a bachelor's degree. Columbia and the surrounding Missouri area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

GAAPTax PreparationFinancial AnalysisQuickBooksExcelAuditing

Job Outlook

Nationally, accountant employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Accountant Jobs in Columbia

Browse open accountant positions in Columbia, MO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Accountant Salary in Columbia

How much does a Accountant make in Columbia, MO? ▼
The median accountant salary in Columbia, Missouri is $70,294 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $79,880. Salaries range from $44,352 (10th percentile) to $116,864 (90th percentile).
How much does a Accountant make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,294, a accountant in Columbia earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Missouri state average for accountant pay? ▼
Columbia's median accountant salary of $70,294 is 0.0% above the Missouri state average of $70,294. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MO? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a accountant salary of $70,294 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a accountant in Columbia? ▼
Most accountant positions in Columbia require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include GAAP, Tax Preparation, Financial Analysis, QuickBooks. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.