Kansas City vs Springfield: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Kansas City, MO and Springfield, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kansas City, MO | Springfield, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $129,300▲ | $108,452 |
| Hourly Rate | $62.16▲ | $52.14 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,186▲ | $65,542 |
| 25th Percentile | $105,813▲ | $101,169 |
| 75th Percentile | $156,598▲ | $142,538 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $211,025▲ | $186,166 |
| Total Employed | 750▲ | 140 |
Verdict
Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.
The salary gap between Kansas City and Springfield is $20,848 (19.22%). Kansas City's median is -5.85% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kansas City spans $129,839,Springfield spans $120,624. Kansas 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, Kansas City ($139,719 effective) pays 14.12% more than Springfield ($122,427 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($129,300/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($211,025)
- ✓Larger job market (750 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,719)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Kansas City grew 46.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.7% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Kansas City, MO
$83,790 (2019) → $122,490 (2025)
Springfield, MO
$85,120 (2019) → $102,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kansas City, MO
Springfield, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Kansas City or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kansas City and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Kansas City to Springfield as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Kansas City vs Springfield?
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Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% 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 Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov