Jefferson City vs St. Louis: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Jefferson City, MO and St. Louis, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jefferson City, MO | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,483 | $103,075▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.31 | $49.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,294 | $79,294▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,298 | $83,925▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $104,028 | $113,229▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $125,309 | $127,245▲ |
| Total Employed | 90 | 2,480▲ |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Jefferson City.
The salary gap between Jefferson City and St. Louis is $2,592 (2.58%). St. Louis's median is -2.10% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jefferson City spans $51,015,St. Louis spans $47,951. Jefferson 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, Jefferson City ($114,218 effective) pays 5.37% more than St. Louis ($108,400 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jefferson City if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,218)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,075/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($127,245)
- ✓Larger job market (2,480 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Jefferson City grew 39.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.6% growth in St. Louis over the same period.
Jefferson City, MO
$70,560 (2019) → $98,070 (2025)
St. Louis, MO
$82,730 (2019) → $100,600 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jefferson City, MO
St. Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Jefferson City or St. Louis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jefferson City and St. Louis?
Should I relocate from Jefferson City to St. Louis as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Jefferson City vs St. Louis?
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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