Jefferson City vs St. Louis: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Jefferson City, MO and St. Louis, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jefferson City, MO | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,150 | $136,120▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.01 | $65.44▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $107,040 | $112,078▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $109,574 | $131,857▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $138,540 | $159,830▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $158,475 | $169,948▲ |
| Total Employed | 130 | 3,430▲ |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Jefferson City.
The salary gap between Jefferson City and St. Louis is $2,970 (2.23%). 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 Jefferson City spans $51,435,St. Louis spans $57,870. St. Louis has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Jefferson City ($151,350 effective) pays 5.73% 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 Jefferson City if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $151,350)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,120/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($169,948)
- ✓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 Jefferson City grew 28.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.1% growth in St. Louis over the same period.
Jefferson City, MO
$99,940 (2019) → $128,710 (2025)
St. Louis, MO
$100,340 (2019) → $131,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jefferson City, MO
St. Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Jefferson City or St. Louis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jefferson City and St. Louis?
Should I relocate from Jefferson City to St. Louis as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Jefferson City 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