Kansas City vs St. Louis: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Kansas City, MO and St. Louis, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kansas City, MO | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $229,420 | $244,380▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $110.30 | $117.49▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $175,947 | $226,159▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $189,570 | $226,169▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $278,096 | $330,307▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $488,265▲ | $350,106 |
| Total Employed | 980▲ | 650 |
Verdict
Kansas City and St. Louis are closely matched on overall nurse anesthetist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Kansas City and St. Louis is $14,960 (6.52%). St. Louis's median is -1.81% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kansas City spans $312,318,St. Louis spans $123,947. Kansas City 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 ($257,004 effective) pays 3.67% more than Kansas City ($247,906 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($488,265)
- ✓Larger job market (980 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($244,380/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $257,004)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Kansas City grew 54.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 43.9% growth in St. Louis over the same period.
Kansas City, MO
$141,610 (2019) → $218,080 (2025)
St. Louis, MO
$161,410 (2019) → $232,300 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kansas City, MO
St. Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Kansas City or St. Louis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kansas City and St. Louis?
Should I relocate from Kansas City to St. Louis as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Kansas City vs St. Louis?
Related Comparisons
Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.20% 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 Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov