Columbia vs St. Louis: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical 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 | $65,185 | $68,832▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.34 | $33.09▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,666 | $59,837▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $56,032 | $64,488▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,487 | $80,512▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,571 | $84,127▲ |
| Total Employed | 800 | 5,180▲ |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and St. Louis is $3,647 (5.59%). St. Louis's median is +1.12% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $27,905,St. Louis spans $24,290. 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 ($72,883 effective) pays 0.68% more than St. Louis ($72,388 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,883)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,832/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,127)
- ✓Larger job market (5,180 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Columbia grew 43.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 39.8% growth in St. Louis over the same period.
Columbia, MO
$42,990 (2019) → $61,670 (2025)
St. Louis, MO
$46,590 (2019) → $65,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, MO
St. Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Columbia or St. Louis?
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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov