Average Registered Nurse Salary in Missouri
Registered Nurses in Missouri earn an average of $85,940 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +8.2% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$85,940
per year
Hourly Rate
$41.32
per hour
vs National
-8.2%
$93,600 national
Salary Range
$56,042
to $125,244
About Registered Nurse Careers in Missouri
Registered nurses (RNs) are essential healthcare professionals who provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients about health conditions, and offer emotional support to patients and their families. They work in various healthcare settings and serve as the backbone of the healthcare system, providing critical care and advocacy for patients.
In Missouri, registered nurses earn an average of $85,940 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $56,042 for entry-level roles to $125,244 for the most experienced professionals — +8.2% below the national average. Pay is influenced most by nursing specialty (icu, emergency, oncology tend to pay more), education level (bsn vs. adn), and the specific metro area within Missouri.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$85,940
Cost of Living Index
90
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$95,489
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Missouri's cost of living (below average), a Registered Nurse's salary of $85,940 has the purchasing power of $95,489 in an average-cost area.
Registered Nurse Salary by City in Missouri
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis, MO | $86,187 | $41.44/hr | $57,325 | $124,936 | 3,005 |
| Kansas City, MO | $85,692 | $41.20/hr | $54,759 | $125,552 | 2,411 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Missouri vs National Average
Registered Nurse Salary Comparison
Employment in Missouri
There are approximately 5,416 Registered Nurses employed across 2 metro areas in Missouri.
Key Industries: Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 0% - 4.95%
Registered Nurse Salary Range in Missouri
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$56,042
Starting salary for new Registered Nurses
Median (50th Percentile)
$85,940
Mid-career Registered Nurse salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$125,244
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Missouri
Pharmacist
$126,484
avg in MO
+$40,544 vs Registered Nurse
Nurse Practitioner
$115,974
avg in MO
+$30,034 vs Registered Nurse
Dental Hygienist
$85,010
avg in MO
-$930 vs Registered Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurse
$55,161
avg in MO
-$30,779 vs Registered Nurse
Nursing Assistant
$35,373
avg in MO
-$50,567 vs Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Registered Nurse salaries in Missouri with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Registered Nurse salary in Missouri?
The average Registered Nurse salary in Missouri is $85,940 per year ($41.32/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 8.2% below the national average of $93,600.
What is the highest paying city for Registered Nurses in Missouri?
St. Louis, MO is the highest paying city for Registered Nurses in Missouri, with a median salary of $86,187 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Kansas City, MO at $85,692.
What is the salary range for Registered Nurses in Missouri?
Registered Nurse salaries in Missouri range from $56,042 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $125,244 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $85,940 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Missouri. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.