Kansas City vs Maryland Heights: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Kansas City, MO and Maryland Heights, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kansas City, MO | Maryland Heights, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,777▲ | $137,732 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.24▲ | $66.22 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $104,973▲ | $101,387 |
| 25th Percentile | $116,969 | $121,433▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $161,706▲ | $160,480 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,243 | $193,660▲ |
| Total Employed | 540▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Maryland Heights.
The salary gap between Kansas City and Maryland Heights is $45 (0.03%). Kansas City's median is -1.86% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kansas City spans $66,270,Maryland Heights spans $92,273. Maryland Heights 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, Maryland Heights ($153,719 effective) pays 3.25% more than Kansas City ($148,879 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 ($137,777/year)
- ✓Larger job market (540 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Maryland Heights if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($193,660)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $153,719)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Kansas City grew 31.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.4% growth in Maryland Heights over the same period.
Kansas City, MO
$101,460 (2019) → $133,350 (2025)
Maryland Heights, MO
$103,840 (2024) → $133,306 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kansas City, MO
Maryland Heights, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Kansas City or Maryland Heights?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kansas City and Maryland Heights?
Should I relocate from Kansas City to Maryland Heights as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Kansas City vs Maryland Heights?
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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