Kansas City vs University City: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Kansas City, MO and University City, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kansas City, MO | University City, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,271▲ | $131,382 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.04▲ | $63.17 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,378 | $102,232▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $124,264▲ | $116,952 |
| 75th Percentile | $149,537 | $153,564▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $165,323▲ | $162,436 |
| Total Employed | 2,730▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to University City.
The salary gap between Kansas City and University City is $3,889 (2.96%). Kansas City's median is -1.16% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kansas City spans $64,945,University City spans $60,204. Kansas City 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, University City ($146,632 effective) pays 0.32% more than Kansas City ($146,171 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,271/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($165,323)
- ✓Larger job market (2,730 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose University City if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $146,632)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Kansas City grew 22.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.9% growth in University City over the same period.
Kansas City, MO
$106,400 (2019) → $130,760 (2025)
University City, MO
$103,351 (2024) → $127,000 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kansas City, MO
University City, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Kansas City or University City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kansas City and University City?
Should I relocate from Kansas City to University City as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Kansas City vs University City?
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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