Media & Communications Columbia, MO Pop. 126,254

Editor Salary in Columbia, Missouri

The median editor salary in Columbia, MO is $64,310 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 0.0% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$64,310
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-8,770
Cost of Living
88%

Editor Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median editor salary of $64,310, which is $0 above the Missouri state average of $64,310. Compared to the national median of $73,080, 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 $64,310 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $73,080 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbia an attractive option for editors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for editors in Columbia spans from $35,200 at the 10th percentile to $116,160 at the 90th percentile — a $80,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,960, while senior editors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $110,000. With a population of 126,254, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Editor Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level editor earns around $36,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $110,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,960
$-5,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,000
$-9,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$110,000
$-15,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MO

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $35,200
25th Percentile $46,640
Median (50th) $64,310
75th Percentile $86,240
90th Percentile $116,160

Editor Salary in Other Missouri Cities

How to Become a Editor in Columbia

Education

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

Key Skills

EditingAP/Chicago StyleCMS PlatformsContent StrategyFact-CheckingCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, editor employment is projected to grow -5% over the next decade (decline). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Editor Jobs in Columbia

Browse open editor positions in Columbia, MO:

Frequently Asked Questions: Editor Salary in Columbia

How much does a Editor make in Columbia, MO? ▼
The median editor salary in Columbia, Missouri is $64,310 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $73,080. Salaries range from $35,200 (10th percentile) to $116,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Editor make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,310, a editor 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 editor pay? ▼
Columbia's median editor salary of $64,310 is 0.0% above the Missouri state average of $64,310. 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 editor salary of $64,310 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a editor in Columbia? ▼
Most editor positions in Columbia require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Editing, AP/Chicago Style, CMS Platforms, Content Strategy. The job market is projected to grow -5% nationally over the next decade.