Home / City Job Salaries / Accountant in Columbia

Accountant Salary in Columbia, MO

How much does a accountant make in Columbia? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Columbia's cost of living.

Median Salary
$60,879
per year in Columbia
Entry Level
$37,464
Starting salary
Senior Level
$81,952
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
92
8% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how accountant salaries break down across different pay periods in Columbia.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$37,464$60,879$81,952
Monthly$3,122$5,073$6,829
Biweekly$1,441$2,342$3,152
Weekly$720$1,171$1,576
Hourly$18$29$39

Columbia vs National Average

How Columbia's accountant salaries compare to national figures.

Columbia Salary
$60,879
COL Index: 92
National Average
$77,850
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$16,971
Lower in Columbia

Cost of Living in Columbia

1-Bedroom Rent
$950
per month
Median Income
$46,820
per year
Population
126,254
residents
Rent % of Income
24.3%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 92 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Columbia have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Accountant

Overview

Prepare financial records, tax returns, and manage accounting systems.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field; CPA preferred

Key Skills

Financial AccountingTax PreparationQuickBooksGAAP

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Accountant Salary

See Accountant salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$105,100
+73%
Los Angeles, CA
$93,890
+54%
Chicago, IL
$81,210
+33%
Houston, TX
$81,290
+34%
Phoenix, AZ
$80,080
+32%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a accountant salary in Columbia.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Columbia.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Columbia.

Accountant Salary in Columbia, MO — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a accountant in Columbia, MO is $60,879 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 92. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Columbia's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level accountant professionals in Columbia can expect to earn around $37,464 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level accountants earning approximately $81,952 per year. This represents a 119% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Columbia's cost of living index of 92 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Columbia are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $77,850, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a accountant's salary in Columbia typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $950 per month, housing represents about 18.7% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Accountants are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 17% over the next decade. In Columbia, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.