Personal Care & Fitness Columbia, MO Pop. 126,254

Esthetician Salary in Columbia, Missouri

The median esthetician salary in Columbia, MO is $33,616 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 0.0% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$33,616
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-4,584
Cost of Living
88%

Esthetician Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median esthetician salary of $33,616, which is $0 above the Missouri state average of $33,616. Compared to the national median of $38,200, 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 $33,616 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $38,200 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbia an attractive option for estheticians seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for estheticians in Columbia spans from $21,120 at the 10th percentile to $57,200 at the 90th percentile — a $36,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $22,880, while senior estheticians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $54,560. With a population of 126,254, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Esthetician Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level esthetician earns around $22,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $54,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$22,880
$-3,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$34,320
$-4,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$54,560
$-7,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MO

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $21,120
25th Percentile $26,400
Median (50th) $33,616
75th Percentile $45,760
90th Percentile $57,200

Esthetician Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$35,144
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$34,380
Pop. 301,578
Independence, MO
$32,470
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$31,324
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Esthetician in Columbia

Education

Most esthetician positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Columbia and the surrounding Missouri area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SkincareFacial TreatmentsProduct KnowledgeClient ConsultationSanitationAnatomy

Job Outlook

Nationally, esthetician employment is projected to grow 17% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Esthetician Jobs in Columbia

Browse open esthetician positions in Columbia, MO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Esthetician Salary in Columbia

How much does a Esthetician make in Columbia, MO? ▼
The median esthetician salary in Columbia, Missouri is $33,616 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $38,200. Salaries range from $21,120 (10th percentile) to $57,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Esthetician make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $33,616, a esthetician in Columbia earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Missouri state average for esthetician pay? ▼
Columbia's median esthetician salary of $33,616 is 0.0% above the Missouri state average of $33,616. 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 esthetician salary of $33,616 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a esthetician in Columbia? ▼
Most esthetician positions in Columbia require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Skincare, Facial Treatments, Product Knowledge, Client Consultation. The job market is projected to grow 17% nationally over the next decade.