Average Nursing Assistants Salary in Columbia, MO
Nursing Assistants in Columbia, MO, earn an average annual salary of $38,960. This figure is slightly below the national average of $41,050. Localized demand, the specific needs of the healthcare sector within Columbia, and the overall economic conditions of Missouri contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,960 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,220.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,900 Nursing Assistants, Columbia, MO, demonstrates a significant concentration of these professionals, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.99. This suggests a robust and established job market for Nursing Assistants, with demand likely exceeding the national average relative to the general workforce.
Salary Overview
The average Nursing Assistants in Columbia, MO earns-5.1%below the national average.
$18.7
$749
$3,247
Nursing Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Nursing Assistants in Columbia, MO, have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by increasing healthcare needs, inflation, and a competitive labor market for essential healthcare roles.
Nursing Assistants Salary Distribution in Columbia, MO
Career progression for Nursing Assistants in Columbia, MO, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior Nursing Assistants with extensive experience and specialized skills can command higher salaries, reflecting the growing value and responsibility they bring to healthcare facilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $32,760 | $15.8 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $29,220 | $14 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $40,120 | $19.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $48,700 | $23.4 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $47,220 | $22.7 |
Detailed Nursing Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,960
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,960
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $38,960 in Columbia, MO, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Nursing Assistant's salary in Columbia is comparable to that of a Nursing Assistant earning the national average elsewhere in the country, offering stable financial footing.
Job Market Context
1,900
Total Jobs
17.945
Per 1K Jobs
1.99
Location Quotient
Columbia, MO has 2.0x the national concentration of Nursing Assistants jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 1.99 for Nursing Assistants in Columbia, MO, signifies a market where these professionals are more than twice as concentrated as the national average. This indicates a high demand and a potentially competitive environment for employers seeking to fill these vital roles, while offering ample opportunities for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Nursing Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jefferson City, MO Nursing Assistants Salary | $35,400↓ 9% | 27 mi |
| Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area Nursing Assistants Salary | $35,100↓ 10% | 34 mi |
| Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area Nursing Assistants Salary | $35,470↓ 9% | 34 mi |
| North Missouri nonmetropolitan area Nursing Assistants Salary | $35,080↓ 10% | 34 mi |
| Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area Nursing Assistants Salary | $34,910↓ 10% | 34 mi |
Comparing salaries near Columbia, MO
Hiring Nursing Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Nursing Assistants make in Columbia, MO?
The median annual salary for a Nursing Assistants in Columbia, MO is $38,960. This typically ranges from $32,760 for entry-level positions to $47,220 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Columbia, MO is 5.1% lower than the national median of $41,050.
Is Columbia, MO a lucrative place for Nursing Assistants?
Yes, with a stable cost of living.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living in Columbia, MO, is also at the national average. This balance ensures that the $38,960 salary offers comparable purchasing power to higher nominal salaries in more expensive regions.
Is Columbia, MO a good place to live for Nursing Assistants?
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 ($35,400) and Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Columbia, MO Nursing Assistant salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Nursing Assistants in Columbia, MO, is $38,960, which is slightly lower than the national average of $41,050.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.99 mean for Nursing Assistants in Columbia, MO?
A Location Quotient of 1.99 indicates that Nursing Assistants are more than twice as concentrated in Columbia, MO, compared to the national average, suggesting a strong local job market for this profession.
Is the cost of living in Columbia, MO high for Nursing Assistants?
No, the cost of living in Columbia, MO, is exactly at the national average (100). This means that the $38,960 salary provides a standard level of purchasing power.
How many Nursing Assistants work in Columbia, MO?
There are approximately 1,900 Nursing Assistants employed in Columbia, MO, contributing to a significant local healthcare workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,900 employees in the Columbia, MO area with a job density of 17.945 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Nursing Assistants Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Columbia, MO
- All Occupations Salary in Columbia, MO
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Columbia, MO
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Columbia, MO
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Columbia, MO
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Columbia, MO
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Columbia, MO
- Management Occupations Salary in Columbia, MO
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Columbia, MO
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Columbia, MO
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Columbia, MO
- Browse All Jobs in Columbia, MO →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Nursing Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Columbia, MO