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Tutor 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.

Tutor Salary in Columbia β€” Key Numbers

$31,502
Median Salary
$22,575
25th Percentile
$42,226
75th Percentile
$58,050
90th Percentile
National median (Tutor)$36,630
vs. National median-14.0%
Columbia median household income$52,000
vs. City household income-39.4%

Cost of Living in Columbia

Cost of Living Index
86(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$900/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio34.3%
Annual rent cost$10,800
Median Home Price$235,000
Home Price / Salary7.5Γ—
20% Down Payment$47,000
Years to save (20% rate)7.5 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Tutor make in Columbia, MO?

The estimated median salary for a Tutor in Columbia is $31,502 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $36,630 adjusted by Columbia's cost of living index (86). The typical salary range runs from $22,575 (25th percentile) to $42,226 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $58,050.

Is Columbia affordable for a Tutor?

On a $31,502 annual salary, a Tutor in Columbia would spend approximately 34.3% of gross monthly income on median rent ($900/month). This is approaching the 30–35% cost-burden threshold; careful budgeting is recommended. The median home price of $235,000 is 7.5Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Tutor's salary compare to Columbia's overall income?

Columbia's median household income is $52,000. A Tutor earning the city-adjusted median of $31,502 earns 39.4% less than the typical Columbia household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Columbia has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

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.