Legal Columbia, MO
Pop. 126,254
Lawyer Salary in Columbia, Missouri
The median lawyer salary in Columbia, MO is $119,451 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 0.0% above the Missouri state average.
City Median
$119,451
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-16,289
Cost of Living
88%
Lawyer Salary in Columbia by Experience
In Columbia, an entry-level lawyer earns around $61,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $193,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$61,600
$-8,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$121,440
$-16,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$193,600
$-26,400 vs national
Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MO
| Percentile | Columbia |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $57,200 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,800 |
| Median (50th) | $119,451 |
| 75th Percentile | $163,680 |
| 90th Percentile | $210,496 |
Lawyer Salary in Other Missouri Cities
How to Become a Lawyer in Columbia
Education
Most lawyer positions require a doctoral degree. Columbia and the surrounding Missouri area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Legal ResearchLitigationContract LawNegotiationWestlaw/LexisNexisOral Advocacy
Job Outlook
Nationally, lawyer 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.