Operations Manager Salary in Columbia, Missouri
The median operations manager salary in Columbia, MO is $91,212 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 0.0% above the Missouri state average.
Operations Manager Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)
Columbia offers a median operations manager salary of $91,212, which is $0 above the Missouri state average of $91,212. Compared to the national median of $103,650, 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 $91,212 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $103,650 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbia an attractive option for operations managers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for operations managers in Columbia spans from $51,040 at the 10th percentile to $162,800 at the 90th percentile — a $111,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $54,560, while senior operations managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $154,000. With a population of 126,254, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Operations Manager Salary in Columbia by Experience
In Columbia, an entry-level operations manager earns around $54,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $154,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MO
| Percentile | Columbia |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $51,040 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,880 |
| Median (50th) | $91,212 |
| 75th Percentile | $123,200 |
| 90th Percentile | $162,800 |
Operations Manager Salary in Other Missouri Cities
How to Become a Operations Manager in Columbia
Education
Most operations manager positions require a bachelor's degree. Columbia and the surrounding Missouri area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, operations manager 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 Operations Manager Jobs in Columbia
Browse open operations manager positions in Columbia, MO: