Kansas City vs St. Louis: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Kansas City, MO and St. Louis, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kansas City, MO | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,551▲ | $46,932 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.86▲ | $22.57 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,206▲ | $38,492 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,054▲ | $40,466 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,787 | $49,966▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,212▲ | $51,036 |
| Total Employed | 4,220 | 6,170▲ |
Verdict
Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Louis.
The salary gap between Kansas City and St. Louis is $619 (1.32%). Kansas City's median is -0.85% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kansas City spans $13,006,St. Louis spans $12,544. Kansas City 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, Kansas City ($51,383 effective) pays 4.11% more than St. Louis ($49,356 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 ($47,551/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($52,212)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,383)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Larger job market (6,170 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Kansas City grew 30.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.7% growth in St. Louis over the same period.
Kansas City, MO
$34,740 (2019) → $45,300 (2025)
St. Louis, MO
$34,210 (2019) → $44,710 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kansas City, MO
St. Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Kansas City or St. Louis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kansas City and St. Louis?
Should I relocate from Kansas City to St. Louis as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Kansas City vs St. Louis?
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Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% 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 Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov