St. Louis vs Kansas City: Accountant Salary (2026)
Compare accountant salaries between St. Louis, MO and Kansas City, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | St. Louis, MO | Kansas City, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,939 | $82,129▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.91 | $39.48▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,372 | $56,107▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $64,100 | $65,578▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $104,057 | $105,637▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,742▲ | $133,721 |
| Total Employed | 13,610▲ | 11,260 |
Verdict
St. Louis and Kansas City are closely matched on overall accountant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between St. Louis and Kansas City is $1,190 (1.47%). Kansas City's median is -4.35% compared to the US national median of $85,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in St. Louis spans $81,370,Kansas City spans $77,614. St. Louis 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 ($88,747 effective) pays 4.26% more than St. Louis ($85,120 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($133,742)
- ✓Larger job market (13,610 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,129/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $88,747)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, accountant salaries in St. Louis grew 13.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.5% growth in Kansas City over the same period.
St. Louis, MO
$69,340 (2019) → $78,880 (2025)
Kansas City, MO
$65,350 (2019) → $80,040 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Louis, MO
Kansas City, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays accountants more: St. Louis or Kansas City?
What is the hourly rate difference between St. Louis and Kansas City?
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What do entry-level accountants earn in St. Louis vs Kansas City?
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Written by Sofia Patel, CPA
Career Analyst
Sofia Patel has over 10 years of experience in financial analysis. She specializes in tax preparation for small businesses. She has worked in both corporate and public accounting environments.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.61% 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 Sofia Patel, CPA, a licensed accountant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov