Branson vs St. Louis: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Branson, MO and St. Louis, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Branson, MO | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $130,320 | $140,639▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $62.65 | $67.61▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $104,352▲ | $80,197 |
| 25th Percentile | $120,924 | $128,199▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $153,334 | $170,168▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,024 | $176,636▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 1,260▲ |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Branson.
The salary gap between Branson and St. Louis is $10,319 (7.92%). St. Louis's median is +0.18% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Branson spans $67,672,St. Louis spans $96,439. St. Louis has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, St. Louis ($147,904 effective) pays 1.69% more than Branson ($145,446 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Branson if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,639/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($176,636)
- ✓Larger job market (1,260 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $147,904)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Branson grew 28.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 35.0% growth in St. Louis over the same period.
Branson, MO
$98,251 (2024) → $126,132 (2025)
St. Louis, MO
$100,810 (2019) → $136,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Branson, MO
St. Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Branson or St. Louis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Branson and St. Louis?
Should I relocate from Branson to St. Louis as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Branson vs St. Louis?
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Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov