Public Service Columbia, MO Pop. 126,254

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary in Columbia, Missouri

The median occupational health & safety specialist salary in Columbia, MO is $69,291 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 0.0% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$69,291
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-9,449
Cost of Living
88%

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median occupational health & safety specialist salary of $69,291, which is $0 above the Missouri state average of $69,291. Compared to the national median of $78,740, 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 $69,291 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $78,740 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbia an attractive option for occupational health & safety specialists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for occupational health & safety specialists in Columbia spans from $42,240 at the 10th percentile to $107,360 at the 90th percentile — a $65,120 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,000, while senior occupational health & safety specialists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,840. With a population of 126,254, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level occupational health & safety specialist earns around $44,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,000
$-6,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,400
$-9,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$103,840
$-14,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MO

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $42,240
25th Percentile $54,560
Median (50th) $69,291
75th Percentile $88,000
90th Percentile $107,360

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary in Other Missouri Cities

How to Become a Occupational Health & Safety Specialist in Columbia

Education

Most occupational health & safety specialist positions require a bachelor's degree. Columbia and the surrounding Missouri area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

OSHA RegulationsHazard AssessmentSafety TrainingIndustrial HygieneReport WritingRisk Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational health & safety specialist 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 Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Jobs in Columbia

Browse open occupational health & safety specialist positions in Columbia, MO:

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary in Columbia

How much does a Occupational Health & Safety Specialist make in Columbia, MO? ▼
The median occupational health & safety specialist salary in Columbia, Missouri is $69,291 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $78,740. Salaries range from $42,240 (10th percentile) to $107,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Health & Safety Specialist make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,291, a occupational health & safety specialist in Columbia earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Missouri state average for occupational health & safety specialist pay? ▼
Columbia's median occupational health & safety specialist salary of $69,291 is 0.0% above the Missouri state average of $69,291. 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 occupational health & safety specialist salary of $69,291 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational health & safety specialist in Columbia? ▼
Most occupational health & safety specialist positions in Columbia require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include OSHA Regulations, Hazard Assessment, Safety Training, Industrial Hygiene. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.