Columbia vs St. Louis: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Columbia, MO and St. Louis, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, MO | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,275 | $67,617▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.38 | $32.51▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,160 | $54,519▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,556 | $62,799▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $76,133 | $76,719▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $76,637 | $81,568▲ |
| Total Employed | 110 | 1,100▲ |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and St. Louis is $2,342 (3.59%). 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 Columbia spans $25,477,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, Columbia ($72,984 effective) pays 2.63% 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 Columbia if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,984)
- ✓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 Columbia grew 35.9% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 27.3% growth in St. Louis over the same period.
Columbia, MO
$46,750 (2020) → $63,540 (2025)
St. Louis, MO
$51,720 (2019) → $65,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, MO
St. Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Columbia or St. Louis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and St. Louis?
Should I relocate from Columbia to St. Louis as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Columbia vs St. Louis?
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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