Kansas City vs St. Joseph: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Kansas City, MO and St. Joseph, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kansas City, MO | St. Joseph, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,092▲ | $64,181 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.74▲ | $30.85 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,429▲ | $50,567 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,065▲ | $59,382 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,112▲ | $67,997 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,943▲ | $75,079 |
| Total Employed | 4,570▲ | 290 |
Verdict
Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Joseph.
The salary gap between Kansas City and St. Joseph is $3,911 (6.09%). Kansas City's median is +0.03% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kansas City spans $27,514,St. Joseph spans $24,512. 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. Joseph ($74,299 effective) pays 0.98% more than Kansas City ($73,579 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,092/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,943)
- ✓Larger job market (4,570 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Joseph if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,299)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Kansas City grew 38.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 47.9% growth in St. Joseph over the same period.
Kansas City, MO
$46,570 (2019) → $64,420 (2025)
St. Joseph, MO
$41,050 (2019) → $60,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kansas City, MO
St. Joseph, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Kansas City or St. Joseph?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kansas City and St. Joseph?
Should I relocate from Kansas City to St. Joseph as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Kansas City vs St. Joseph?
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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