Columbia vs St. Louis: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Columbia, MO and St. Louis, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, MO | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,808▲ | $87,597 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.69▲ | $42.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,430 | $66,809▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $72,590 | $81,520▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $98,349 | $105,552▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,407▲ | $110,007 |
| Total Employed | 3,680 | 35,200▲ |
Verdict
Columbia, MO offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Louis.
The salary gap between Columbia and St. Louis is $1,211 (1.38%). Columbia's median is -13.55% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $44,977,St. Louis spans $43,198. Columbia 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 ($99,296 effective) pays 7.79% more than St. Louis ($92,122 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 ($88,808/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,407)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,296)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Larger job market (35,200 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Columbia grew 23.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.7% growth in St. Louis over the same period.
Columbia, MO
$68,260 (2019) → $84,330 (2025)
St. Louis, MO
$64,150 (2019) → $83,180 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, MO
St. Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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 Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov