Healthcare Columbia, MO Pop. 126,254

Psychologist Salary in Columbia, Missouri

The median psychologist salary in Columbia, MO is $75,090 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 0.0% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$75,090
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-10,240
Cost of Living
88%

Psychologist Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median psychologist salary of $75,090, which is $0 above the Missouri state average of $75,090. Compared to the national median of $85,330, 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 $75,090 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $85,330 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbia an attractive option for psychologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for psychologists in Columbia spans from $42,240 at the 10th percentile to $136,400 at the 90th percentile — a $94,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,760, while senior psychologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $127,600. With a population of 126,254, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Psychologist Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level psychologist earns around $45,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $127,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,760
$-6,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$77,440
$-10,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$127,600
$-17,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MO

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $42,240
25th Percentile $56,320
Median (50th) $75,090
75th Percentile $101,200
90th Percentile $136,400

Psychologist Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$78,504
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$76,797
Pop. 301,578
Independence, MO
$72,531
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$69,971
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Psychologist in Columbia

Education

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

Key Skills

PsychotherapyPsychological AssessmentCBT/DBTResearch MethodsClinical DocumentationEthics

Job Outlook

Nationally, psychologist 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 Psychologist Jobs in Columbia

Browse open psychologist positions in Columbia, MO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Psychologist Salary in Columbia

How much does a Psychologist make in Columbia, MO? ▼
The median psychologist salary in Columbia, Missouri is $75,090 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $85,330. Salaries range from $42,240 (10th percentile) to $136,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Psychologist make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $75,090, a psychologist in Columbia earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Missouri state average for psychologist pay? ▼
Columbia's median psychologist salary of $75,090 is 0.0% above the Missouri state average of $75,090. 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 psychologist salary of $75,090 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a psychologist in Columbia? ▼
Most psychologist positions in Columbia require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Psychotherapy, Psychological Assessment, CBT/DBT, Research Methods. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.