St. Louis vs St. Joseph: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between St. Louis, MO and St. Joseph, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | St. Louis, MO | St. Joseph, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $140,639 | $142,644▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $67.61 | $68.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,197 | $108,992▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $128,199 | $128,489▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $170,168▲ | $164,113 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $176,636▲ | $165,085 |
| Total Employed | 1,260▲ | 50 |
Verdict
St. Louis and St. Joseph are closely matched on overall physician assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between St. Louis and St. Joseph is $2,005 (1.43%). St. Joseph's median is +1.60% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in St. Louis spans $96,439,St. Joseph spans $56,093. St. Louis 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 ($165,132 effective) pays 11.65% more than St. Louis ($147,904 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($176,636)
- ✓Larger job market (1,260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Joseph if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($142,644/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $165,132)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in St. Louis grew 35.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.2% growth in St. Joseph over the same period.
St. Louis, MO
$100,810 (2019) → $136,120 (2025)
St. Joseph, MO
$106,031 (2024) → $138,060 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Louis, MO
St. Joseph, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: St. Louis or St. Joseph?
What is the hourly rate difference between St. Louis and St. Joseph?
Should I relocate from St. Louis to St. Joseph as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in St. Louis vs St. Joseph?
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Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov