Business & Finance Columbia, MO Pop. 126,254

Economist Salary in Columbia, Missouri

The median economist salary in Columbia, MO is $100,267 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 0.0% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$100,267
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-13,673
Cost of Living
88%

Economist Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median economist salary of $100,267, which is $0 above the Missouri state average of $100,267. Compared to the national median of $113,940, 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 $100,267 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $113,940 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbia an attractive option for economists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for economists in Columbia spans from $54,560 at the 10th percentile to $174,240 at the 90th percentile — a $119,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,200, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $162,800. With a population of 126,254, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Economist Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level economist earns around $57,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $162,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,200
$-7,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$101,200
$-13,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$162,800
$-22,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MO

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $54,560
25th Percentile $72,160
Median (50th) $100,267
75th Percentile $136,400
90th Percentile $174,240

Economist Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$104,825
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$102,546
Pop. 301,578
Independence, MO
$96,849
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$93,431
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Economist in Columbia

Education

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

Key Skills

EconometricsStatistical AnalysisR/PythonEconomic ModelingResearch MethodsPolicy Analysis

Job Outlook

Nationally, economist 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 Economist Jobs in Columbia

Browse open economist positions in Columbia, MO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Columbia

How much does a Economist make in Columbia, MO? ▼
The median economist salary in Columbia, Missouri is $100,267 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $54,560 (10th percentile) to $174,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $100,267, a economist in Columbia earns approximately $48 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Missouri state average for economist pay? ▼
Columbia's median economist salary of $100,267 is 0.0% above the Missouri state average of $100,267. 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 economist salary of $100,267 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Columbia? ▼
Most economist positions in Columbia require a master's degree. Key skills include Econometrics, Statistical Analysis, R/Python, Economic Modeling. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.