Science & Research Columbia, MO Pop. 126,254

Physicist Salary in Columbia, Missouri

The median physicist salary in Columbia, MO is $134,138 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 0.0% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$134,138
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-18,292
Cost of Living
88%

Physicist Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median physicist salary of $134,138, which is $0 above the Missouri state average of $134,138. Compared to the national median of $152,430, 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 $134,138 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $152,430 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbia an attractive option for physicists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for physicists in Columbia spans from $68,640 at the 10th percentile to $209,440 at the 90th percentile — a $140,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,160, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $193,600. With a population of 126,254, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physicist Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level physicist earns around $72,160, 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)
$72,160
$-9,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$136,400
$-18,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$193,600
$-26,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MO

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $68,640
25th Percentile $95,040
Median (50th) $134,138
75th Percentile $171,600
90th Percentile $209,440

Physicist Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$140,236
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$137,187
Pop. 301,578
Independence, MO
$129,566
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$124,993
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Physicist in Columbia

Education

Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Columbia and the surrounding Missouri area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Mathematical ModelingExperimental PhysicsPython/MATLABData AnalysisScientific WritingLaboratory Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, physicist 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.

Find Physicist Jobs in Columbia

Browse open physicist positions in Columbia, MO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Columbia

How much does a Physicist make in Columbia, MO? ▼
The median physicist salary in Columbia, Missouri is $134,138 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $68,640 (10th percentile) to $209,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $134,138, a physicist in Columbia earns approximately $64 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Missouri state average for physicist pay? ▼
Columbia's median physicist salary of $134,138 is 0.0% above the Missouri state average of $134,138. 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 physicist salary of $134,138 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Columbia? ▼
Most physicist positions in Columbia require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Mathematical Modeling, Experimental Physics, Python/MATLAB, Data Analysis. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.