Kansas City vs St. Louis: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher 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 | $61,658▲ | $61,244 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.65▲ | $29.45 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,592▲ | $47,673 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,682 | $49,925▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $65,344 | $78,209▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,714 | $84,571▲ |
| Total Employed | 11,500 | 13,440▲ |
Verdict
Kansas City and St. Louis are closely matched on overall elementary school teacher compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Kansas City and St. Louis is $414 (0.68%). Kansas City's median is -4.55% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kansas City spans $31,122,St. Louis spans $36,898. St. Louis has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced elementary school teachers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kansas City ($66,626 effective) pays 3.44% more than St. Louis ($64,408 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 ($61,658/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,626)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,571)
- ✓Larger job market (13,440 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Kansas City grew 18.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.5% growth in St. Louis over the same period.
Kansas City, MO
$51,590 (2019) → $61,060 (2025)
St. Louis, MO
$49,510 (2019) → $60,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kansas City, MO
St. Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers 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 elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Kansas City vs St. Louis?
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Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 0.98% 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, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov