Springfield vs University City: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Springfield, MO and University City, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Springfield, MO | University City, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $129,964 | $131,382▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $62.48 | $63.17▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,578 | $102,232▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $112,336 | $116,952▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $135,364 | $153,564▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $158,237 | $162,436▲ |
| Total Employed | 660▲ | 6 |
Verdict
University City, MO offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.
The salary gap between Springfield and University City is $1,418 (1.09%). University City's median is -4.01% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Springfield spans $59,659,University City spans $60,204. University City 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, Springfield ($146,711 effective) pays 0.05% more than University City ($146,632 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Larger job market (660 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $146,711)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose University City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($131,382/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($162,436)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Springfield grew 37.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.9% growth in University City over the same period.
Springfield, MO
$91,660 (2019) → $125,630 (2025)
University City, MO
$103,351 (2024) → $127,000 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Springfield, MO
University City, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Springfield or University City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Springfield and University City?
Should I relocate from Springfield to University City as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Springfield vs University City?
Related Comparisons
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