Agriculture & Environment Columbia, MO Pop. 126,254

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Columbia, Missouri

The median agricultural scientist salary in Columbia, MO is $65,261 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 0.0% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$65,261
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-8,899
Cost of Living
88%

Agricultural Scientist Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median agricultural scientist salary of $65,261, which is $0 above the Missouri state average of $65,261. Compared to the national median of $74,160, 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 $65,261 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $74,160 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbia an attractive option for agricultural scientists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for agricultural scientists in Columbia spans from $38,720 at the 10th percentile to $107,360 at the 90th percentile — a $68,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,240, while senior agricultural scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $101,200. With a population of 126,254, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level agricultural scientist earns around $42,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $101,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,240
$-5,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,880
$-9,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$101,200
$-13,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MO

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $38,720
25th Percentile $49,280
Median (50th) $65,261
75th Percentile $86,240
90th Percentile $107,360

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$68,227
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$66,744
Pop. 301,578
Independence, MO
$63,036
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$60,811
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Agricultural Scientist in Columbia

Education

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

Key Skills

AgronomyResearch MethodsData AnalysisSoil ScienceGeneticsScientific Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, agricultural scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Agricultural Scientist Jobs in Columbia

Browse open agricultural scientist positions in Columbia, MO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Agricultural Scientist Salary in Columbia

How much does a Agricultural Scientist make in Columbia, MO? ▼
The median agricultural scientist salary in Columbia, Missouri is $65,261 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $74,160. Salaries range from $38,720 (10th percentile) to $107,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Agricultural Scientist make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $65,261, a agricultural scientist in Columbia earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Missouri state average for agricultural scientist pay? ▼
Columbia's median agricultural scientist salary of $65,261 is 0.0% above the Missouri state average of $65,261. 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 agricultural scientist salary of $65,261 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a agricultural scientist in Columbia? ▼
Most agricultural scientist positions in Columbia require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Agronomy, Research Methods, Data Analysis, Soil Science. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.