Columbia vs Springfield: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Columbia, MO and Springfield, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, MO | Springfield, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,378▲ | $129,964 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.13▲ | $62.48 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $112,595▲ | $98,578 |
| 25th Percentile | $112,833▲ | $112,336 |
| 75th Percentile | $135,437▲ | $135,364 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $161,372▲ | $158,237 |
| Total Employed | 330 | 660▲ |
Verdict
Columbia, MO offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.
The salary gap between Columbia and Springfield is $3,414 (2.63%). Columbia's median is -2.55% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $48,777,Springfield spans $59,659. Springfield 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, Columbia ($149,129 effective) pays 1.65% more than Springfield ($146,711 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,378/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($161,372)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,129)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Larger job market (660 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Columbia grew 41.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 37.1% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Columbia, MO
$91,400 (2019) → $128,930 (2025)
Springfield, MO
$91,660 (2019) → $125,630 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, MO
Springfield, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Columbia or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Springfield as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Columbia vs Springfield?
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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