St. Louis vs Kansas City: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)
Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between St. Louis, MO and Kansas City, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | St. Louis, MO | Kansas City, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,431 | $82,484▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.67 | $39.66▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,753▲ | $58,804 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,617 | $68,302▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $84,443 | $89,718▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,437 | $104,427▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,190▲ | 1,860 |
Verdict
Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Louis.
The salary gap between St. Louis and Kansas City is $2,053 (2.55%). Kansas City's median is -2.21% compared to the US national median of $84,348.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in St. Louis spans $39,684,Kansas City spans $45,623. Kansas City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologic technologist and technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kansas City ($89,130 effective) pays 5.37% more than St. Louis ($84,586 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 (2,190 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,484/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,427)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $89,130)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in St. Louis grew 45.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.0% growth in Kansas City over the same period.
St. Louis, MO
$52,370 (2019) → $76,390 (2025)
Kansas City, MO
$57,600 (2019) → $78,340 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Louis, MO
Kansas City, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: St. Louis or Kansas City?
What is the hourly rate difference between St. Louis and Kansas City?
Should I relocate from St. Louis to Kansas City as a radiologic technologist and technician?
What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in St. Louis vs Kansas City?
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Written by Jordan Lee, RT(R), RT(TM)
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in radiologic technology. They specialize in mammography and work in an outpatient imaging center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.29% 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 Lee, RT(R), RT(TM), a licensed radiologic technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov