St. Louis vs Cape Girardeau: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between St. Louis, MO and Cape Girardeau, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | St. Louis, MO | Cape Girardeau, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,832▲ | $63,526 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.09▲ | $30.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,837▲ | $48,305 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,488▲ | $52,237 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,512▲ | $68,092 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,127▲ | $78,482 |
| Total Employed | 5,180▲ | 410 |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cape Girardeau.
The salary gap between St. Louis and Cape Girardeau is $5,306 (8.35%). 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 St. Louis spans $24,290,Cape Girardeau spans $30,177. Cape Girardeau has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cape Girardeau ($73,801 effective) pays 1.95% 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 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
Choose Cape Girardeau if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,801)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in St. Louis grew 39.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 44.3% growth in Cape Girardeau over the same period.
St. Louis, MO
$46,590 (2019) → $65,120 (2025)
Cape Girardeau, MO
$41,640 (2019) → $60,100 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Louis, MO
Cape Girardeau, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: St. Louis or Cape Girardeau?
What is the hourly rate difference between St. Louis and Cape Girardeau?
Should I relocate from St. Louis to Cape Girardeau as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in St. Louis vs Cape Girardeau?
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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