Cape Girardeau vs Springfield: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Cape Girardeau, MO and Springfield, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cape Girardeau, MO | Springfield, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,890▲ | $99,663 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.47▲ | $47.92 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,736 | $77,716▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,116▲ | $82,654 |
| 75th Percentile | $114,069▲ | $110,421 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $132,296▲ | $120,001 |
| Total Employed | 100 | 410▲ |
Verdict
Cape Girardeau, MO offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.
The salary gap between Cape Girardeau and Springfield is $3,227 (3.24%). Cape Girardeau's median is -2.28% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cape Girardeau spans $89,560,Springfield spans $42,285. Cape Girardeau 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, Cape Girardeau ($119,531 effective) pays 6.24% more than Springfield ($112,506 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cape Girardeau if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,890/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($132,296)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $119,531)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Larger job market (410 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Cape Girardeau grew 15.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.4% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Cape Girardeau, MO
$86,640 (2019) → $100,420 (2025)
Springfield, MO
$87,320 (2019) → $97,270 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cape Girardeau, MO
Springfield, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Cape Girardeau or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cape Girardeau and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Cape Girardeau to Springfield as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Cape Girardeau vs Springfield?
Related Comparisons
Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% 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 Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov