Columbia vs Kansas City: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between Columbia, MO and Kansas City, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, MO | Kansas City, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $402,320 | $419,873▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $193.42 | $201.86▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $233,346 | $243,527▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $289,671 | $302,309▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $500,410 | $516,732▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $594,461 | $618,470▲ |
| Total Employed | 23 | 89▲ |
Verdict
Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Kansas City is $17,553 (4.36%). Kansas City's median is -4.99% compared to the US national median of $441,903.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $361,115,Kansas City spans $374,943. Kansas City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kansas City ($468,608 effective) pays 4.36% more than Columbia ($449,018 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($419,873/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($618,470)
- ✓Larger job market (89 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $468,608)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Columbia grew 120.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 16.9% growth in Kansas City over the same period.
Columbia, MO
$173,920 (2021) → $383,162 (2025)
Kansas City, MO
$342,052 (2024) → $399,879 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, MO
Kansas City, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologists more: Columbia or Kansas City?
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Should I relocate from Columbia to Kansas City as a radiologist?
What do entry-level radiologists earn in Columbia vs Kansas City?
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Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has 10 years of experience in diagnostic radiology. She specializes in imaging techniques for oncology. She works at a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.00% 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 Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed radiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov