St. Louis vs Cape Girardeau: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between St. Louis, MO and Cape Girardeau, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | St. Louis, MO | Cape Girardeau, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $129,269▲ | $105,940 |
| Hourly Rate | $62.14▲ | $50.93 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,832▲ | $65,711 |
| 25th Percentile | $109,455▲ | $98,973 |
| 75th Percentile | $161,982▲ | $135,761 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $206,349▲ | $176,739 |
| Total Employed | 810▲ | 30 |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cape Girardeau.
The salary gap between St. Louis and Cape Girardeau is $23,329 (22.02%). St. Louis's median is -5.87% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in St. Louis spans $127,517,Cape Girardeau spans $111,028. 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, St. Louis ($135,947 effective) pays 10.46% more than Cape Girardeau ($123,074 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 ($129,269/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($206,349)
- ✓Larger job market (810 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $135,947)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Cape Girardeau if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in St. Louis grew 24.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.5% growth in Cape Girardeau over the same period.
St. Louis, MO
$98,130 (2019) → $122,460 (2025)
Cape Girardeau, MO
$77,500 (2021) → $100,360 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Louis, MO
Cape Girardeau, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: St. Louis or Cape Girardeau?
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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