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Average Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers Salary in Columbia, MO

Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers in Columbia, MO, earn an average annual salary of $37,000. This figure is slightly below the national average of $40,600, a common trend in many regional markets where local economic factors and demand influence compensation levels. The specific pay in Columbia reflects a balance between the cost of living and the concentration of jobs within the area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $37,000 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,170.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 920 Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers, Columbia, MO, demonstrates a significant presence in this sector. The Location Quotient of 1.43 indicates a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for skilled professionals in groundskeeping and landscaping services within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$37,000

The average Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers in Columbia, MO earns-8.9%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17.8

Weekly

$712

Monthly

$3,083

Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers Salary Distribution in Columbia, MO

Salary progression for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers in Columbia, MO, is closely tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with expertise in areas like landscape design, irrigation systems, or arboriculture can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career advancement opportunities available through skill development and tenure.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$26,560$12.8
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$27,750$13.3
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$36,020$17.3
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$46,250$22.2
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$46,170$22.2

Detailed Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$37,000

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$37,000

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $37,000 in Columbia, MO, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a landscaper's salary in Columbia is comparable to that of a worker earning the national average elsewhere, indicating a stable economic environment where the local wages effectively meet the standard cost of living.

Job Market Context

920

Total Jobs

8.731

Per 1K Jobs

1.43

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.43, Columbia, MO has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers roles compared to the national norm.

The Location Quotient of 1.43 for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers in Columbia, MO, signifies a market where this profession is more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand and a potentially competitive environment, where employers may actively seek out qualified candidates, and workers can find a good number of opportunities within the local job market.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers make in Columbia, MO?

The median annual salary for a Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers in Columbia, MO is $37,000. This typically ranges from $26,560 for entry-level positions to $46,170 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Columbia, MO is 8.9% lower than the national median of $40,600.

Is Columbia, MO a lucrative place for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workerss?

No, but it offers stable employment.While the average salary of $37,000 is below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the earnings comparable in purchasing power. The strong location quotient indicates a healthy job market with good opportunities.

Is Columbia, MO a good place to live for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers?

The Cost of Living Index in Columbia, MO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Columbia, MO?

Some top paying nearby cities include Jefferson City, MO ($37,960) and Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area.

How does the local workforce size impact job prospects?

A local workforce of 920 suggests a substantial number of established positions, indicating a stable job market for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers in Columbia, MO, with consistent demand.

What does a Location Quotient of 1.43 mean for job seekers?

A Location Quotient above 1.0, like 1.43, means Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers are more concentrated in Columbia, MO, than nationally, suggesting higher demand and potentially more job openings relative to the national average.

How does the cost of living in Columbia, MO affect salary expectations?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $37,000 salary in Columbia, MO, offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning your earnings will likely cover typical expenses without significant strain.

Are there opportunities for career growth in landscaping in Columbia, MO?

Yes, career growth is typically achieved through gaining experience, acquiring specialized skills (e.g., design, irrigation), and potentially moving into supervisory or management roles, which are usually compensated at higher salary percentiles.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 920 employees in the Columbia, MO area with a job density of 8.731 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.