St. Louis vs Joplin: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between St. Louis, MO and Joplin, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | St. Louis, MO | Joplin, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,832▲ | $62,278 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.09▲ | $29.94 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,837▲ | $50,747 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,488▲ | $54,679 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,512▲ | $67,870 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,127▲ | $77,108 |
| Total Employed | 5,180▲ | 400 |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Joplin.
The salary gap between St. Louis and Joplin is $6,554 (10.52%). 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,Joplin spans $26,361. Joplin 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, Joplin ($72,655 effective) pays 0.37% 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 Joplin if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,655)
- ✓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 46.2% growth in Joplin over the same period.
St. Louis, MO
$46,590 (2019) → $65,120 (2025)
Joplin, MO
$40,310 (2019) → $58,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Louis, MO
Joplin, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: St. Louis or Joplin?
What is the hourly rate difference between St. Louis and Joplin?
Should I relocate from St. Louis to Joplin as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in St. Louis vs Joplin?
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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