St. Louis vs Joplin: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between St. Louis, MO and Joplin, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | St. Louis, MO | Joplin, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,597▲ | $78,909 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.11▲ | $37.94 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,809▲ | $65,766 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,520▲ | $67,914 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,552▲ | $96,380 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,007▲ | $99,107 |
| Total Employed | 35,200▲ | 2,670 |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Joplin.
The salary gap between St. Louis and Joplin is $8,688 (11.01%). St. Louis's median is -14.73% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in St. Louis spans $43,198,Joplin spans $33,341. 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, St. Louis ($92,122 effective) pays 0.07% more than Joplin ($92,057 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 ($87,597/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,007)
- ✓Larger job market (35,200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $92,122)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Joplin if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in St. Louis grew 29.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 68.8% growth in Joplin over the same period.
St. Louis, MO
$64,150 (2019) → $83,180 (2025)
Joplin, MO
$44,400 (2019) → $74,930 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Louis, MO
Joplin, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: St. Louis or Joplin?
What is the hourly rate difference between St. Louis and Joplin?
Should I relocate from St. Louis to Joplin as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in St. Louis vs Joplin?
Related Comparisons
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