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Chief Executive Officer Salary in Columbia, MO β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Columbia's cost of living (index: 86). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Chief Executive Officer Salary in Columbia β€” Key Numbers

$180,600
Median Salary
$103,200
25th Percentile
$322,500
75th Percentile
$430,000
90th Percentile
National median (Chief Executive Officer)$210,000
vs. National median-14.0%
Columbia median household income$52,000
vs. City household income+247.3%

Cost of Living in Columbia

Cost of Living Index
86(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$900/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio6.0%
Annual rent cost$10,800
Median Home Price$235,000
Home Price / Salary1.3Γ—
20% Down Payment$47,000
Years to save (20% rate)1.3 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Columbia

2.8%
Unemployment Rate
215,000
Metro Population
19 min
Avg Commute
28.8
Median Age

Columbia has a metro population of 215,000, offering a growing job market with opportunities especially in established local industries. The 2.8% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Chief Executive Officer Salary β€” Other Missouri Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chief Executive Officer make in Columbia, MO?

The estimated median salary for a Chief Executive Officer in Columbia is $180,600 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $210,000 adjusted by Columbia's cost of living index (86). The typical salary range runs from $103,200 (25th percentile) to $322,500 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $430,000.

Is Columbia affordable for a Chief Executive Officer?

On a $180,600 annual salary, a Chief Executive Officer in Columbia would spend approximately 6.0% of gross monthly income on median rent ($900/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Columbia relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $235,000 is 1.3Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Chief Executive Officer's salary compare to Columbia's overall income?

Columbia's median household income is $52,000. A Chief Executive Officer earning the city-adjusted median of $180,600 earns 247.3% more than the typical Columbia household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.