Jefferson City vs St. Louis: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Jefferson City, MO and St. Louis, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jefferson City, MO | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,922 | $67,617▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.25 | $32.51▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,673 | $54,519▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,487 | $62,799▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $76,082 | $76,719▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,438 | $81,568▲ |
| Total Employed | 50 | 1,100▲ |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Jefferson City.
The salary gap between Jefferson City and St. Louis is $4,695 (7.46%). St. Louis's median is -3.74% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jefferson City spans $25,765,St. Louis spans $27,049. St. Louis has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Jefferson City ($71,523 effective) pays 0.58% more than St. Louis ($71,110 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jefferson City if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,523)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,617/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,568)
- ✓Larger job market (1,100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Jefferson City grew 14.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.3% growth in St. Louis over the same period.
Jefferson City, MO
$53,440 (2019) → $61,250 (2025)
St. Louis, MO
$51,720 (2019) → $65,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jefferson City, MO
St. Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Jefferson City or St. Louis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jefferson City and St. Louis?
Should I relocate from Jefferson City to St. Louis as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Jefferson City vs St. Louis?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% 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 Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov