Kansas City vs St. Louis: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber 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 | $78,069 | $78,940▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $37.53 | $37.95▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,979 | $48,225▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $58,457 | $58,877▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $101,485 | $106,447▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $125,915▲ | $124,285 |
| Total Employed | 3,740 | 4,060▲ |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kansas City.
The salary gap between Kansas City and St. Louis is $871 (1.12%). St. Louis's median is +20.69% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kansas City spans $77,936,St. Louis spans $76,060. 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 ($84,360 effective) pays 1.62% more than St. Louis ($83,018 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($125,915)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $84,360)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,940/year)
- ✓Larger job market (4,060 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Kansas City grew 14.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -6.3% growth in St. Louis over the same period.
Kansas City, MO
$66,600 (2019) → $76,150 (2025)
St. Louis, MO
$82,200 (2019) → $77,000 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kansas City, MO
St. Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers 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 plumber?
What do entry-level plumbers earn in Kansas City vs St. Louis?
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Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% 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 Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov