Kansas City vs St. Louis: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist 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 | $499,395▲ | $379,977 |
| Hourly Rate | $240.10▲ | $182.68 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $232,533▲ | $220,386 |
| 25th Percentile | $310,783▲ | $273,583 |
| 75th Percentile | $507,285▲ | $486,370 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $548,238 | $582,816▲ |
| Total Employed | 290▲ | 68 |
Verdict
Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Louis.
The salary gap between Kansas City and St. Louis is $119,418 (31.43%). Kansas City's median is +22.07% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kansas City spans $315,705,St. Louis spans $362,430. St. Louis has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced anesthesiologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kansas City ($539,636 effective) pays 27.25% more than St. Louis ($424,081 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 ($499,395/year)
- ✓Larger job market (290 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $539,636)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($582,816)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Kansas City grew 187.9% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 8.7% growth in St. Louis over the same period.
Kansas City, MO
$166,000 (2022) → $477,890 (2025)
St. Louis, MO
$334,366 (2024) → $363,614 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kansas City, MO
St. Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists 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 anesthesiologist?
What do entry-level anesthesiologists earn in Kansas City vs St. Louis?
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Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has over 10 years of experience in anesthesiology. She specializes in perioperative care at a major metropolitan hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.50% 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 Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed anesthesiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov