St. Louis vs Columbia: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between St. Louis, MO and Columbia, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | St. Louis, MO | Columbia, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $492,303▲ | $402,320 |
| Hourly Rate | $236.68▲ | $193.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $158,813 | $233,346▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $287,343 | $289,671▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $492,303 | $500,410▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $533,001 | $594,461▲ |
| Total Employed | 170▲ | 23 |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between St. Louis and Columbia is $89,983 (22.37%). St. Louis's median is +11.41% compared to the US national median of $441,903.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in St. Louis spans $374,188,Columbia spans $361,115. St. Louis 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, St. Louis ($517,734 effective) pays 15.30% 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 St. Louis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($492,303/year)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $517,734)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($594,461)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in St. Louis grew 40.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 120.3% growth in Columbia over the same period.
St. Louis, MO
$334,366 (2024) → $468,860 (2025)
Columbia, MO
$173,920 (2021) → $383,162 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Louis, MO
Columbia, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
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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