St. Louis vs Cape Girardeau: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between St. Louis, MO and Cape Girardeau, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | St. Louis, MO | Cape Girardeau, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,701 | $102,019▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.45 | $49.05▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,976▲ | $74,193 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,716 | $87,993▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $108,141 | $108,718▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,054 | $122,033▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,860▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Cape Girardeau, MO offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Louis.
The salary gap between St. Louis and Cape Girardeau is $3,318 (3.36%). Cape Girardeau's median is -1.34% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in St. Louis spans $45,078,Cape Girardeau spans $47,840. Cape Girardeau has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cape Girardeau ($118,519 effective) pays 14.18% more than St. Louis ($103,800 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,860 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Cape Girardeau if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,019/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($122,033)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $118,519)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in St. Louis grew 25.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.4% growth in Cape Girardeau over the same period.
St. Louis, MO
$76,140 (2019) → $95,770 (2025)
Cape Girardeau, MO
$89,690 (2019) → $98,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Louis, MO
Cape Girardeau, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: St. Louis or Cape Girardeau?
What is the hourly rate difference between St. Louis and Cape Girardeau?
Should I relocate from St. Louis to Cape Girardeau as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in St. Louis vs Cape Girardeau?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov