St. Louis vs University City: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between St. Louis, MO and University City, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | St. Louis, MO | University City, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $244,380▲ | $219,856 |
| Hourly Rate | $117.49▲ | $105.70 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $226,159▲ | $146,193 |
| 25th Percentile | $226,169▲ | $191,682 |
| 75th Percentile | $330,307▲ | $269,906 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $350,106▲ | $296,691 |
| Total Employed | 650▲ | 6 |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to University City.
The salary gap between St. Louis and University City is $24,524 (11.15%). 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,University City spans $150,498. University City 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 4.74% more than University City ($245,375 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 University City 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 University City over the same period.
St. Louis, MO
$161,410 (2019) → $232,300 (2025)
University City, MO
$189,918 (2024) → $208,989 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Louis, MO
University City, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: St. Louis or University City?
What is the hourly rate difference between St. Louis and University City?
Should I relocate from St. Louis to University City as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in St. Louis vs University City?
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