St. Louis vs Kansas City: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between St. Louis, MO and Kansas City, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | St. Louis, MO | Kansas City, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $129,269 | $129,300▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $62.14 | $62.16▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,832 | $81,186▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $109,455▲ | $105,813 |
| 75th Percentile | $161,982▲ | $156,598 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $206,349 | $211,025▲ |
| Total Employed | 810▲ | 750 |
Verdict
Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Louis.
The salary gap between St. Louis and Kansas City is $31 (0.02%). 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 St. Louis spans $127,517,Kansas City spans $129,839. Kansas City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinarians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kansas City ($139,719 effective) pays 2.77% more than St. Louis ($135,947 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Larger job market (810 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($129,300/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($211,025)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,719)
- ✓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 46.2% growth in Kansas City over the same period.
St. Louis, MO
$98,130 (2019) → $122,460 (2025)
Kansas City, MO
$83,790 (2019) → $122,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Louis, MO
Kansas City, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: St. Louis or Kansas City?
What is the hourly rate difference between St. Louis and Kansas City?
Should I relocate from St. Louis to Kansas City as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in St. Louis vs Kansas City?
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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