St. Louis vs University City: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between St. Louis, MO and University City, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | St. Louis, MO | University City, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,075▲ | $100,740 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.56▲ | $48.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,294▲ | $76,799 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,925 | $84,216▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $113,229 | $117,216▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $127,245▲ | $124,233 |
| Total Employed | 2,480▲ | 6 |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to University City.
The salary gap between St. Louis and University City is $2,335 (2.32%). 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 St. Louis spans $47,951,University City spans $47,434. 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, University City ($112,433 effective) pays 3.72% 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 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
Choose University City if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,433)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in St. Louis grew 21.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.5% growth in University City over the same period.
St. Louis, MO
$82,730 (2019) → $100,600 (2025)
University City, MO
$77,734 (2024) → $98,321 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Louis, MO
University City, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: St. Louis or University City?
What is the hourly rate difference between St. Louis and University City?
Should I relocate from St. Louis to University City as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in St. Louis vs University City?
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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