Network Engineer Salary in Columbia, MO: $80,960 (2026)

Network Engineer Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median network engineer salary of $80,960, which is $0 above the Missouri state average of $80,960. Compared to the national median of $92,000, 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 $80,960 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $92,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbia an attractive option for network engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for network engineers in Columbia spans from $49,280 at the 10th percentile to $127,600 at the 90th percentile — a $78,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,800, while senior network engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $121,440. With a population of 126,254, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Network Engineer Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level network engineer earns around $52,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $121,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$52,800

$-7,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$82,720

$-11,280 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$121,440

$-16,560 vs national

Percentile	Columbia	MO State	National
10th Percentile	$49,280	$49,280	$56,000
25th Percentile	$65,120	$65,120	$74,000
Median (50th)	$80,960	$80,960	$92,000
75th Percentile	$103,840	$103,840	$118,000
90th Percentile	$127,600	$127,600	$145,000

Percentile

Columbia

10th Percentile

$49,280

25th Percentile

$65,120

Median (50th)

$80,960

75th Percentile

$103,840

90th Percentile

$127,600

How to Become a Network Engineer in Columbia

Education

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

Key Skills

CiscoTCP/IPFirewallsVPNNetwork MonitoringCCNA/CCNP

Job Outlook

Nationally, network engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Network Engineer Salary in Columbia

How much does a Network Engineer make in Columbia, MO? ▼

The median network engineer salary in Columbia, Missouri is $80,960 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $92,000. Salaries range from $49,280 (10th percentile) to $127,600 (90th percentile).

How much does a Network Engineer make per hour in Columbia? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $80,960, a network engineer in Columbia earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Columbia compare to the Missouri state average for network engineer pay? ▼

Columbia's median network engineer salary of $80,960 is 0.0% above the Missouri state average of $80,960. 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 network engineer salary of $80,960 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a network engineer in Columbia? ▼

Most network engineer positions in Columbia require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Cisco, TCP/IP, Firewalls, VPN. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.

Network Engineer Salary in Columbia, Missouri