What the numbers say
St. Louis had 33,660 Registered Nurses employed in 2024, making it one of the larger nursing markets in the Midwest by headcount alone. The median annual wage came in at $82,560, about 3.5% above the Missouri median of $79,770.
The national comparison cuts the other way. The US median for Registered Nurses was $94,511 in 2024, which puts St. Louis about $12,000 below that figure. Part of that gap reflects where Missouri sits regionally: the state tends to pay below the coasts and below some Sun Belt metros where hospital systems compete harder for staff.
The spread across the local wage range is worth noting. A nurse at the 10th percentile earned $61,990, while one at the 90th earned $105,630. That means top earners in St. Louis made roughly 70% more than those starting out. The mean wage of $84,750 runs slightly above the median, which tells us a portion of nurses in the metro, likely those in senior, specialized, or supervisory roles, pull the average up a bit.
For a metro its size, the wage picture is steady rather than standout. St. Louis beats the Missouri median, but the gap between local pay and the national figure is real and reflects a pattern we see across much of the central US, where nursing wages are solid but trail markets on the coasts and in parts of the Southwest.
Salary distribution
Where St. Louis registered nurses fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $77,410 and $100,230, with a median of $83,180.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.6 / 5
Psychology
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge
- 4.2 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Deductive Reasoning
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Social Perceptiveness
Technical
- 4.1 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Record patients' medical information and vital signs.
- 02
Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects.
- 03
Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.
- 04
Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patients' conditions.
- 05
Provide health care, first aid, immunizations, or assistance in convalescence or rehabilitation in locations such as schools, hospitals, or industry.
- 06
Consult and coordinate with healthcare team members to assess, plan, implement, or evaluate patient care plans.
- 07
Direct or supervise less-skilled nursing or healthcare personnel or supervise a particular unit.
- 08
Monitor all aspects of patient care, including diet and physical activity.
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How the St. Louis metro compares to other major Missouri metro areas for registered nurses.
- Kansas City$83,040
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Registered Nurses in St. Louis, Missouri?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Registered Nurses in the St. Louis metropolitan area is $83,180.
- Does St. Louis pay more than the Missouri state average for Registered Nurses?
- The St. Louis metro median is +1.7% versus the Missouri state median of $81,780.
- How does St. Louis compare to the national median for Registered Nurses?
- The St. Louis metro median is -15.4% versus the BLS national figure of $98,331.
- What is the salary range for Registered Nurses in St. Louis?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $63,440 and the 90th-percentile at $104,460 for the St. Louis metro area.
- What education is required for Registered Nurses?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the St. Louis CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.