Springfield vs St. Charles: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Springfield, MO and St. Charles, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Springfield, MO | St. Charles, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,663 | $103,327▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.92 | $49.67▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,716▲ | $77,347 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,654 | $85,698▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $110,421 | $120,553▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $120,001 | $132,472▲ |
| Total Employed | 410▲ | 16 |
Verdict
St. Charles, MO offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.
The salary gap between Springfield and St. Charles is $3,664 (3.68%). St. Charles's median is -1.86% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Springfield spans $42,285,St. Charles spans $55,125. St. Charles has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, St. Charles ($115,320 effective) pays 2.50% 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 Springfield if…
- ✓Larger job market (410 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Charles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,327/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($132,472)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,320)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Springfield grew 11.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.5% growth in St. Charles over the same period.
Springfield, MO
$87,320 (2019) → $97,270 (2025)
St. Charles, MO
$79,730 (2024) → $100,846 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Springfield, MO
St. Charles, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Springfield or St. Charles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Springfield and St. Charles?
Should I relocate from Springfield to St. Charles as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Springfield vs St. Charles?
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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