Independence vs St. Louis: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Independence, MO and St. Louis, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Independence, MO | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,003 | $136,120▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.39 | $65.44▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $106,290 | $112,078▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $122,237 | $131,857▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $158,977 | $159,830▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $189,490▲ | $169,948 |
| Total Employed | 30 | 3,430▲ |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Independence.
The salary gap between Independence and St. Louis is $117 (0.09%). St. Louis's median is -0.54% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Independence spans $83,200,St. Louis spans $57,870. Independence has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Independence ($151,789 effective) pays 6.03% more than St. Louis ($143,152 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Independence if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($189,490)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $151,789)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,120/year)
- ✓Larger job market (3,430 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Independence grew 22.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.1% growth in St. Louis over the same period.
Independence, MO
$106,986 (2024) → $131,467 (2025)
St. Louis, MO
$100,340 (2019) → $131,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Independence, MO
St. Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Independence or St. Louis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Independence and St. Louis?
Should I relocate from Independence to St. Louis as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Independence vs St. Louis?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov