Cape Girardeau vs Springfield: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Cape Girardeau, MO and Springfield, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cape Girardeau, MO | Springfield, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $145,764▲ | $133,562 |
| Hourly Rate | $70.08▲ | $64.21 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $114,902▲ | $113,838 |
| 25th Percentile | $138,583▲ | $123,974 |
| 75th Percentile | $157,263 | $157,470▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $175,282▲ | $164,651 |
| Total Employed | 40 | 300▲ |
Verdict
Cape Girardeau, MO offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.
The salary gap between Cape Girardeau and Springfield is $12,202 (9.14%). Cape Girardeau's median is +3.83% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cape Girardeau spans $60,380,Springfield spans $50,813. Cape Girardeau 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, Cape Girardeau ($169,339 effective) pays 12.31% more than Springfield ($150,773 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cape Girardeau if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($145,764/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($175,282)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $169,339)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Cape Girardeau grew 3.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.0% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Cape Girardeau, MO
$135,820 (2024) → $141,080 (2025)
Springfield, MO
$97,960 (2019) → $129,270 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cape Girardeau, MO
Springfield, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Cape Girardeau or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cape Girardeau and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Cape Girardeau to Springfield as a physician assistant?
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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