Missouri Salaries 2025
Gateway state with two distinct metros and heartland value
Median Household Income
Missouri Salary Overview 2025
Missouri offers a unique dual-metro economy: Kansas City on the west and St. Louis on the east provide distinct career ecosystems within the same state. The state's median household income of $61,000 sits below the national average, but Missouri's cost of living (89 index, 11% below average) creates solid purchasing power for residents.
Kansas City has emerged as a growing tech hub with startup activity, Cerner (now Oracle Health) creating healthcare IT concentration, and corporate headquarters including Hallmark and H&R Block. St. Louis anchors healthcare and life sciences with major hospital systems and companies like Bayer, Centene, and Monsanto (now Bayer). Both cities offer affordable urban living with professional opportunities.
Missouri's tax structure has become increasingly competitive with recent reforms reducing the top rate to 4.95%. Combined with low costs, the state offers genuine value for families and professionals seeking heartland lifestyle. For comprehensive salary data, see salary trends 2025.
Missouri Salary Snapshot
| Metric | Missouri | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $61,000 | $74,580 |
| Mean Household Income | $80,500 | $97,300 |
| Per Capita Income | $33,500 | $37,638 |
| Minimum Wage (2025) | $12.30/hr | $7.25/hr (federal) |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 (11% below avg) | 100 |
| Top Income Tax Rate | 4.95% | Varies |
Salaries by Missouri Region
Kansas City Metro (Missouri Side)
Median Household Income: $68,000
Kansas City has experienced significant growth, particularly in tech and healthcare IT. Oracle Health (formerly Cerner) employs 13,000+ locally in healthcare technology. Hallmark Cards, H&R Block, and numerous tech startups add corporate employment. Software engineers earn $80,000-$135,000, healthcare IT $70,000-$120,000, finance $60,000-$110,000.
The city offers vibrant urban core, excellent BBQ culture, and affordability. Housing ($300,000 median in desirable areas) provides value for urban professionals. Johnson County (Kansas side) adds affluent suburbs; Missouri side offers lower taxes.
St. Louis Metro
Median Household Income: $65,000
St. Louis anchors Missouri's healthcare and life sciences economy. BJC HealthCare, SSM Health, and Mercy hospitals provide substantial employment. Centene (Fortune 25 health insurer), Bayer (agriculture/pharma), and Emerson Electric add corporate presence. Washington University creates education and research employment.
Healthcare professionals earn competitive wages: physicians $260,000-$420,000+, nurses $55,000-$80,000. Life sciences researchers $75,000-$140,000. Housing is remarkably affordable ($240,000 metro median) for a metro of 2.8 million.
Columbia – University Town
Median Household Income: $52,000
University of Missouri anchors Columbia with education, healthcare (MU Health), and research. College-town atmosphere between KC and STL. Faculty $65,000-$150,000, healthcare competitive. Very affordable ($250,000 median home) with high quality of life.
Springfield – Ozarks Hub
Median Household Income: $48,000
Springfield serves as the Ozarks regional center with healthcare (Mercy, CoxHealth), education (Missouri State), and Bass Pro Shops headquarters. Very affordable ($220,000 median home) with outdoor recreation access.
| Region | Median Income | Median Home | Key Industries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City (MO side) | $68,000 | $300,000 | Tech, Healthcare IT, Finance |
| St. Louis Metro | $65,000 | $240,000 | Healthcare, Life Sciences, Insurance |
| Columbia | $52,000 | $250,000 | Education, Healthcare, Research |
| Springfield | $48,000 | $220,000 | Healthcare, Retail, Education |
Top Paying Industries in Missouri
Healthcare & Health Insurance
Missouri's healthcare sector spans providers and insurers. Centene (St. Louis) is a Fortune 25 health insurer employing thousands. Major hospital systems (BJC, Mercy, SSM, HCA) provide clinical employment. Physicians $250,000-$420,000+, nurses $55,000-$82,000, healthcare executives $120,000-$300,000+. Health insurance roles $60,000-$150,000.
Healthcare IT (Oracle Health/Cerner)
Kansas City's Oracle Health (formerly Cerner) is one of the world's largest healthcare IT companies. Software engineers $80,000-$140,000, implementation consultants $65,000-$110,000, product managers $90,000-$150,000. The concentration has spawned health tech startups and attracted other companies.
Agriculture & Life Sciences
Bayer's acquisition of Monsanto maintained St. Louis as an agricultural science hub. Research scientists $80,000-$150,000, regulatory affairs $70,000-$120,000. Adjacent food and agriculture companies add employment.
Financial Services
Edward Jones (St. Louis), H&R Block (KC), and regional banks provide financial employment. Financial advisors $60,000-$200,000+ (commission-based), analysts $55,000-$100,000, IT $70,000-$130,000.
Technology
Both metros have growing tech scenes. KC's startup ecosystem and STL's Cortex Innovation District create opportunities. Software engineers $75,000-$135,000, data scientists $80,000-$130,000. Not Bay Area scale but legitimate and growing.
| Industry | Entry Level | Mid-Career | Senior Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare IT | $65,000 | $100,000 | $145,000+ |
| Healthcare (Physicians) | $250,000 | $320,000 | $420,000+ |
| Life Sciences Research | $65,000 | $100,000 | $150,000+ |
| Software Engineering | $70,000 | $100,000 | $140,000+ |
| Nursing (RN) | $52,000 | $65,000 | $82,000+ |
Missouri Tax Analysis
State Income Tax (2025)
Missouri has reduced its top rate through recent reforms:
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $1,207 | 0% |
| $1,208 – $2,414 | 2.0% |
| $2,415 – $3,621 | 2.5% |
| $3,622 – $4,828 | 3.0% |
| $4,829 – $6,035 | 3.5% |
| $6,036 – $7,242 | 4.0% |
| $7,243 – $8,449 | 4.5% |
| $8,450+ | 4.95% |
Tax Comparison
| Salary | MO Tax | KS Tax | IL Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | ~$2,700 | ~$3,100 | $2,970 |
| $80,000 | ~$3,700 | ~$4,200 | $3,960 |
| $100,000 | ~$4,700 | ~$5,300 | $4,950 |
Missouri's taxes are competitive with neighboring states and have declined in recent years.
Property Tax: Missouri property taxes average 0.93%—below national average.
Sales Tax: 4.225% state rate plus substantial local additions = 7-10% typical total (varies significantly by location).
Kansas City: Missouri vs. Kansas Side
The KC metro spans two states. Missouri has lower income tax (4.95% vs. Kansas 5.7%). Kansas has no local earnings taxes that some Missouri cities impose. Overall tax burden is similar; choice often depends on schools, neighborhood preferences, and specific circumstances.
Missouri Cost of Living Analysis
| Expense | Missouri | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Index | 73 | 100 |
| Median Home Price | $230,000 | $420,000 |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,050 | $1,400 |
| Groceries Index | 95 | 100 |
| Utilities Index | 98 | 100 |
| Healthcare Index | 92 | 100 |
Housing by Region
| Area | Median Home | Rent (2BR) |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City (MO) | $280,000 | $1,200 |
| Lee's Summit | $350,000 | $1,400 |
| St. Louis City | $200,000 | $1,100 |
| Clayton/Ladue | $600,000 | $1,800 |
| Columbia | $250,000 | $1,000 |
| Springfield | $220,000 | $900 |
A $65,000 salary in Missouri provides equivalent purchasing power to approximately $85,000 in Denver or $110,000 in Los Angeles.
Highest Paying Jobs in Missouri 2025
| Occupation | Average Salary | Top 10% Earn |
|---|---|---|
| Physicians/Surgeons | $280,000 | $420,000+ |
| Dentists | $165,000 | $255,000+ |
| IT Directors | $135,000 | $180,000+ |
| Software Architects | $130,000 | $170,000+ |
| Pharmacists | $118,000 | $142,000+ |
| Financial Managers | $115,000 | $165,000+ |
| Healthcare Executives | $140,000 | $250,000+ |
| Nurse Practitioners | $105,000 | $130,000+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Kansas City vs. St. Louis: which is better?
Different vibes. Kansas City has more growth momentum, stronger tech scene, renowned BBQ, and newer development. St. Louis has deeper history, stronger healthcare/life sciences, major universities, and established neighborhoods. KC feels more Western; STL more Midwestern. Both are affordable with good job markets. Choice often depends on industry and personal preference.
Is Missouri good for tech careers?
Improving, particularly in Kansas City. Oracle Health/Cerner provides healthcare IT anchor. Startup scenes in both metros are growing. Salaries are 15-25% below coastal markets but costs are 30-40% lower. Good for those seeking tech careers with better work-life balance and affordability.
How affordable is Missouri really?
Very. Both KC and STL offer genuine urban living with homes under $300,000 in good neighborhoods. Cost of living is 11% below national average. Property taxes are low. A household earning $100,000 can live very comfortably and build wealth.
What's quality of life like?
Strong for the cost. Both metros have professional sports (Chiefs, Cardinals, Royals, Blues), cultural institutions, and restaurant scenes. Outdoor recreation is accessible (Ozarks, Lake of the Ozarks). Schools vary significantly by district—research specific areas. Summers are hot and humid; winters are cold but manageable.
Should I consider Columbia?
If you work for the university, healthcare system, or can work remotely, absolutely. Columbia offers college-town charm, low costs, and location between both metros. Limited private sector employment but high quality of life for those with appropriate work situations.