Registered nurse salary in Missouri
The median registered nurse in Missouri earned $81,780 a year in 2025, $15,770 (16%) below the $97,550 national median. That ranks 40th of 51 states.
- Median yearly pay
- $81,780
- Average yearly pay
- $85,900
- Employed in Missouri
- 76,310
How Missouri compares
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates. Pay is before tax and does not adjust for cost of living, which is higher in some states than others.
Nursing pay in Missouri
| Role | Median yearly pay | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Registered nurse | $81,780 | 76,310 |
| LPN or LVN | $61,530 | 14,700 |
| Nurse practitioner | $129,930 | 7,710 |
A nurse practitioner in Missouri earns a median $48,150 more than a registered nurse ($129,930 against $81,780). A registered nurse earns a median $20,250 more than an LPN or LVN here ($81,780 against $61,530).
Next steps
Common questions
How much does a registered nurse make in Missouri?
The median is $81,780 a year, according to BLS data for May 2025. Half of registered nurses in Missouri earn more and half earn less.
Is Missouri a high-paying state for registered nurses?
Missouri ranks 40th of 51 states on median pay for this job. The national median is $97,550, so Missouri pays 16% below it. The highest median is $140,270 in California.
How many registered nurses work in Missouri?
BLS counted 76,310 registered nurses employed in Missouri in May 2025.
Why is the average different from the median?
The median is the middle wage: half of workers earn less. The average adds every wage and divides, so a few very high earners pull it up. In Missouri the average is $85,900, $4,120 above the median.
What do you need to work as a registered nurse in Missouri?
Missouri requires an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing and a passing NCLEX-RN score, and a state license.