St. Louis vs Independence: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between St. Louis, MO and Independence, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | St. Louis, MO | Independence, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $244,380▲ | $227,590 |
| Hourly Rate | $117.49▲ | $109.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $226,159▲ | $153,370 |
| 25th Percentile | $226,169▲ | $200,487 |
| 75th Percentile | $330,307▲ | $279,758 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $350,106▲ | $344,166 |
| Total Employed | 650▲ | 30 |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Independence.
The salary gap between St. Louis and Independence is $16,790 (7.38%). 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 St. Louis spans $123,947,Independence spans $190,796. Independence has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, St. Louis ($257,004 effective) pays 1.18% more than Independence ($254,007 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 ($244,380/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($350,106)
- ✓Larger job market (650 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $257,004)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Independence if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in St. Louis grew 43.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.0% growth in Independence over the same period.
St. Louis, MO
$161,410 (2019) → $232,300 (2025)
Independence, MO
$196,598 (2024) → $216,340 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Louis, MO
Independence, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: St. Louis or Independence?
What is the hourly rate difference between St. Louis and Independence?
Should I relocate from St. Louis to Independence as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in St. Louis vs Independence?
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