Springfield vs St. Joseph: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Springfield, MO and St. Joseph, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Springfield, MO | St. Joseph, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,562 | $142,644▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.21 | $68.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $113,838▲ | $108,992 |
| 25th Percentile | $123,974 | $128,489▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $157,470 | $164,113▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,651 | $165,085▲ |
| Total Employed | 300▲ | 50 |
Verdict
St. Joseph, MO offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.
The salary gap between Springfield and St. Joseph is $9,082 (6.80%). St. Joseph's median is +1.60% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Springfield spans $50,813,St. Joseph spans $56,093. St. Joseph 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. Joseph ($165,132 effective) pays 9.52% 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 Springfield if…
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Joseph if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($142,644/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($165,085)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $165,132)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Springfield grew 32.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.2% growth in St. Joseph over the same period.
Springfield, MO
$97,960 (2019) → $129,270 (2025)
St. Joseph, MO
$106,031 (2024) → $138,060 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Springfield, MO
St. Joseph, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Springfield or St. Joseph?
What is the hourly rate difference between Springfield and St. Joseph?
Should I relocate from Springfield to St. Joseph as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Springfield vs St. Joseph?
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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