St. Louis vs Columbia: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between St. Louis, MO and Columbia, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | St. Louis, MO | Columbia, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,120▲ | $133,378 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.44▲ | $64.13 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $112,078 | $112,595▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $131,857▲ | $112,833 |
| 75th Percentile | $159,830▲ | $135,437 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,948▲ | $161,372 |
| Total Employed | 3,430▲ | 330 |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between St. Louis and Columbia is $2,742 (2.06%). 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 St. Louis spans $57,870,Columbia spans $48,777. St. Louis 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, Columbia ($149,129 effective) pays 4.18% 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 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
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,129)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in St. Louis grew 31.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 41.1% growth in Columbia over the same period.
St. Louis, MO
$100,340 (2019) → $131,580 (2025)
Columbia, MO
$91,400 (2019) → $128,930 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Louis, MO
Columbia, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: St. Louis or Columbia?
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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