Healthcare Columbia, MO Pop. 126,254

Registered Nurse Salary in Columbia, Missouri

The median registered nurse salary in Columbia, MO is $71,474 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 0.0% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$71,474
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-9,746
Cost of Living
88%

Registered Nurse Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median registered nurse salary of $71,474, which is $0 above the Missouri state average of $71,474. Compared to the national median of $81,220, 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 $71,474 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $81,220 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbia an attractive option for registered nurses seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for registered nurses in Columbia spans from $50,512 at the 10th percentile to $106,304 at the 90th percentile — a $55,792 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,040, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $101,200. With a population of 126,254, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Registered Nurse Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $51,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $101,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,040
$-6,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$72,160
$-9,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$101,200
$-13,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MO

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $50,512
25th Percentile $58,784
Median (50th) $71,474
75th Percentile $88,968
90th Percentile $106,304

Registered Nurse Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$74,722
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$73,098
Pop. 301,578
Independence, MO
$69,037
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$66,600
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Columbia

Education

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

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse 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 Registered Nurse Jobs in Columbia

Browse open registered nurse positions in Columbia, MO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Columbia

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Columbia, MO? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Columbia, Missouri is $71,474 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $50,512 (10th percentile) to $106,304 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,474, a registered nurse in Columbia earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Missouri state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Columbia's median registered nurse salary of $71,474 is 0.0% above the Missouri state average of $71,474. 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 registered nurse salary of $71,474 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Columbia? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Columbia require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.