Creative & Education Columbia, MO Pop. 126,254

College Professor Salary in Columbia, Missouri

The median college professor salary in Columbia, MO is $73,814 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 0.0% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$73,814
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-10,066
Cost of Living
88%

College Professor Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median college professor salary of $73,814, which is $0 above the Missouri state average of $73,814. Compared to the national median of $83,880, 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 $73,814 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $83,880 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbia an attractive option for college professors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for college professors in Columbia spans from $39,600 at the 10th percentile to $147,840 at the 90th percentile — a $108,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,240, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $140,800. With a population of 126,254, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

College Professor Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level college professor earns around $42,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $140,800 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)
$75,680
$-10,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$140,800
$-19,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MO

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $39,600
25th Percentile $52,800
Median (50th) $73,814
75th Percentile $105,600
90th Percentile $147,840

College Professor Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$77,170
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$75,492
Pop. 301,578
Independence, MO
$71,298
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$68,782
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a College Professor in Columbia

Education

Most college professor positions require a doctoral degree. Columbia and the surrounding Missouri area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

TeachingResearchPublishingCurriculum DesignAcademic AdvisingGrant Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, college professor employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find College Professor Jobs in Columbia

Browse open college professor positions in Columbia, MO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Columbia

How much does a College Professor make in Columbia, MO? ▼
The median college professor salary in Columbia, Missouri is $73,814 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $39,600 (10th percentile) to $147,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,814, a college professor in Columbia earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Missouri state average for college professor pay? ▼
Columbia's median college professor salary of $73,814 is 0.0% above the Missouri state average of $73,814. 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 college professor salary of $73,814 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a college professor in Columbia? ▼
Most college professor positions in Columbia require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Teaching, Research, Publishing, Curriculum Design. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.