Missouri salaries by occupation
The median worker in Missouri earned $46,390 a year in 2024, about $22.30 an hour, 6.3% below the national median of $49,500. The state reports wages for 656 occupations.
Median pay $46,390 $22.30 per hour
Vs national median -6.3% U.S. $49,500
Workers 2,918,050 wage and salary
Occupations reported 656 with at least 100 employed
What Missouri is unusually full of
Location quotient measures how concentrated an occupation is here against the country as a whole. A value of 3 means the state employs three times the national share of those workers. It describes a labour market far better than a list of the biggest employers, which in every state is dominated by retail and food service.
| Occupation | Concentration | Employed | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooks, Fast Food | 4.16× | 52,590 | $29,450 |
| Continuous Mining Machine Operators | 4.05× | 1,100 | $44,890 |
| Museum Technicians and Conservators | 4.03× | 1,000 | $46,680 |
| Foundry Mold and Coremakers | 2.55× | 610 | $59,300 |
| Set and Exhibit Designers | 2.5× | 510 | $56,100 |
| Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials | 2.41× | 690 | $37,300 |
| Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals | 2.4× | 1,610 | $34,400 |
| Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles | 2.37× | 1,120 | $54,290 |
| Funeral Home Managers | 2.35× | 580 | $61,760 |
| Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | 2.28× | 540 | $65,480 |
Metro areas in Missouri
Pay varies more between cities than between states, and a statewide median averages over that. These are the 8 Missouri metropolitan areas the survey covers.
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Workers | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City | $49,480 | $23.79 | 1,093,430 | #96 |
| St. Louis | $48,290 | $23.21 | 1,339,700 | #126 |
| St. Joseph | $46,420 | $22.32 | 53,880 | #208 |
| Columbia | $45,670 | $21.96 | 105,740 | #234 |
| Jefferson City | $45,440 | $21.85 | 78,020 | #244 |
| Springfield | $44,110 | $21.21 | 222,150 | #294 |
| Joplin | $43,610 | $20.97 | 86,790 | #305 |
| Cape Girardeau | $42,060 | $20.22 | 44,760 | #328 |
Highest paying occupations
| Occupation | Median | Hourly | Employed | Rank of states |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetists | $221,550 | $106.51 | 1,210 | #13 of 25 |
| Family Medicine Physicians | $216,990 | $104.32 | 2,470 | #18 of 23 |
| Pediatricians, General | $215,040 | $103.39 | 170 | #9 of 37 |
| Chief Executives | $158,930 | $76.41 | 4,050 | #23 of 33 |
| Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates | $156,210 | $75.10 | 550 | #16 of 31 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $153,670 | $73.88 | 1,960 | #30 of 49 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $143,730 | $69.10 | 930 | #11 of 46 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $139,740 | $67.18 | 8,990 | #33 of 49 |
| Physician Assistants | $139,200 | $66.92 | 1,650 | #10 of 51 |
| Pharmacists | $137,910 | $66.30 | 7,070 | #17 of 51 |
| Financial Managers | $133,560 | $64.21 | 12,710 | #31 of 51 |
| Purchasing Managers | $132,370 | $63.64 | 1,000 | #20 of 46 |
Where most people work
| Occupation | Employed | Median | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| General and Operations Managers | 105,210 | $77,410 | $37.22 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 91,570 | $29,640 | $14.25 |
| Registered Nurses | 74,270 | $79,770 | $38.35 |
| Cashiers | 69,980 | $29,400 | $14.14 |
| Retail Salespersons | 63,100 | $31,250 | $15.03 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 62,110 | $36,500 | $17.55 |
| Office Clerks, General | 57,870 | $40,350 | $19.40 |
| Customer Service Representatives | 56,190 | $41,850 | $20.12 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | 52,590 | $29,450 | $14.16 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | 48,540 | $37,950 | $18.25 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 state estimates. Wage and salary workers only, excluding the self-employed.
Every occupation reported in Missouri
Grouped by field. Each links to a comparison of that job across all states.
Production 83
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers $102,140
- Power Plant Operators $86,240
- Gas Plant Operators $84,980
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers $71,790
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers $71,140
- Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers $64,360
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators $63,560
- Tool and Die Makers $60,940
- Foundry Mold and Coremakers $59,300
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $58,920
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $58,210
- Machinists $57,920
- Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders $56,160
- Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers $54,650
- Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders $53,670
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators $52,990
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters $50,870
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers $50,740
- Chemical Plant and System Operators $50,700
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders $50,420
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $50,270
- Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $49,880
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $49,460
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators $49,260
- Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders $49,120
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $48,280
- Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $48,090
- Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $48,070
- Prepress Technicians and Workers $48,070
- Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $48,030
- Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $48,010
- Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders $47,780
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $47,770
- Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $47,760
- Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $47,560
- Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other $47,390
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $47,310
- Pourers and Casters, Metal $47,210
- Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand $47,070
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders $47,010
- Food Batchmakers $46,960
- Dental Laboratory Technicians $46,900
- Medical Appliance Technicians $46,390
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $46,390
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $46,240
- Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators $46,120
- Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders $45,150
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters $45,130
- Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers $45,120
- Slaughterers and Meat Packers $44,730
- Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $44,310
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $44,210
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $44,130
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers $44,060
- Printing Press Operators $43,720
- Furniture Finishers $43,680
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators $43,510
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $42,760
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $42,640
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers $42,140
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic $42,090
- Cutters and Trimmers, Hand $41,190
- Plant and System Operators, All Other $40,610
- Upholsterers $39,970
- Helpers--Production Workers $39,360
- Print Binding and Finishing Workers $39,240
- Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders $39,240
- Food Processing Workers, All Other $38,890
- Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood $38,610
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $38,330
- Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other $38,150
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing $37,890
- Production Workers, All Other $37,870
- Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians $37,480
- Butchers and Meat Cutters $36,490
- Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers $36,430
- Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders $35,940
- Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers $35,190
- Sewing Machine Operators $34,910
- Bakers $33,790
- Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials $31,760
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers $30,500
- Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $28,120
Education and library 51
- Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $102,810
- Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $102,370
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $91,120
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary $86,530
- Physics Teachers, Postsecondary $84,890
- Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary $83,960
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $83,170
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary $82,390
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $81,920
- History Teachers, Postsecondary $80,430
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary $77,890
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $77,770
- Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary $77,410
- Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other $77,340
- Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary $76,890
- Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary $76,400
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary $74,420
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary $74,000
- Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $73,880
- Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $72,740
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors $70,020
- Instructional Coordinators $68,210
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $66,970
- Communications Teachers, Postsecondary $66,530
- Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $66,450
- Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $65,580
- Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary $65,170
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary $63,470
- Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary $62,990
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary $62,190
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $60,120
- Curators $57,790
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education $56,990
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists $53,600
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School $53,410
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other $53,100
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School $52,140
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School $51,370
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $50,780
- Archivists $50,480
- Special Education Teachers, Preschool $48,990
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $48,250
- Special Education Teachers, All Other $47,770
- Museum Technicians and Conservators $46,680
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other $46,680
- Library Technicians $37,850
- Self-Enrichment Teachers $37,020
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $35,120
- Tutors $33,300
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term $32,890
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $29,060
Healthcare practitioners 47
- Nurse Anesthetists $221,550
- Family Medicine Physicians $216,990
- Pediatricians, General $215,040
- Physician Assistants $139,200
- Pharmacists $137,910
- Podiatrists $128,680
- Nurse Practitioners $126,370
- Veterinarians $119,640
- Optometrists $113,030
- Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other $111,050
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists $97,400
- Physical Therapists $93,750
- Occupational Therapists $93,600
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers $91,440
- Radiation Therapists $88,100
- Audiologists $87,840
- Speech-Language Pathologists $83,950
- Dental Hygienists $83,270
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists $80,490
- Registered Nurses $79,770
- Orthotists and Prosthetists $78,080
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians $76,640
- Respiratory Therapists $73,880
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other $67,440
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians $67,120
- Dietitians and Nutritionists $62,340
- Hearing Aid Specialists $61,930
- Chiropractors $61,020
- Therapists, All Other $60,800
- Surgical Technologists $60,420
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $59,030
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians $57,460
- Exercise Physiologists $56,590
- Paramedics $55,600
- Athletic Trainers $54,340
- Recreational Therapists $53,620
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars $51,590
- Medical Records Specialists $49,150
- Surgical Assistants $44,390
- Psychiatric Technicians $43,300
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $41,860
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians $39,010
- Emergency Medical Technicians $38,580
- Pharmacy Technicians $37,990
- Opticians, Dispensing $36,960
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians $36,600
- Dietetic Technicians $35,040
Office and administrative support 47
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers $62,260
- Postal Service Clerks $59,250
- Brokerage Clerks $57,650
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants $56,940
- Postal Service Mail Carriers $56,450
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators $56,450
- Statistical Assistants $55,580
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks $51,940
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks $51,090
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance $50,030
- Meter Readers, Utilities $49,570
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $47,650
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks $47,560
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks $46,990
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks $46,990
- Procurement Clerks $46,300
- Financial Clerks, All Other $46,250
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping $45,860
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping $45,840
- Bill and Account Collectors $45,540
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other $44,610
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other $44,120
- Billing and Posting Clerks $43,860
- Public Safety Telecommunicators $43,840
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs $42,310
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $42,030
- Order Clerks $41,970
- Customer Service Representatives $41,850
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks $40,910
- Word Processors and Typists $40,450
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer $40,390
- Office Clerks, General $40,350
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive $40,250
- New Accounts Clerks $40,030
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks $39,730
- Couriers and Messengers $39,520
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan $39,150
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service $38,170
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks $38,100
- File Clerks $37,230
- Data Entry Keyers $36,620
- Gambling Cage Workers $35,740
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service $35,640
- Tellers $35,510
- Receptionists and Information Clerks $35,170
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks $33,070
- Library Assistants, Clerical $29,570
Installation, maintenance and repair 41
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers $93,580
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay $85,690
- Signal and Track Switch Repairers $84,240
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door $81,030
- Avionics Technicians $78,820
- Millwrights $75,710
- Riggers $75,480
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers $75,160
- Wind Turbine Service Technicians $68,160
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians $63,440
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines $63,100
- Rail Car Repairers $63,100
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers $61,510
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics $61,270
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery $61,040
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers $60,330
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists $60,150
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers $58,920
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers $58,900
- Medical Equipment Repairers $58,350
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers $57,170
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment $51,260
- Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians $50,030
- Mechanical Door Repairers $49,960
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other $49,300
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics $48,970
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General $48,270
- Locksmiths and Safe Repairers $47,490
- Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers $47,310
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $46,710
- Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners $46,650
- Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers $46,450
- Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians $45,710
- Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians $45,020
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers $44,980
- Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers $44,680
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers $39,820
- Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles $38,660
- Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers $37,860
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers $37,840
- Tire Repairers and Changers $36,650
Construction and extraction 40
- Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas $87,910
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers $83,150
- Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers $80,330
- Plasterers and Stucco Masons $74,560
- Electricians $70,950
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons $70,520
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators $70,520
- Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators $69,610
- Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters $67,400
- Sheet Metal Workers $66,340
- Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters $62,500
- Construction and Building Inspectors $62,230
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $62,090
- Stonemasons $61,700
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical $61,440
- Carpenters $61,150
- Tapers $60,810
- Tile and Stone Setters $60,450
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers $60,240
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators $60,050
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers $59,050
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers $57,050
- Helpers--Electricians $56,870
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining $55,500
- Rock Splitters, Quarry $55,170
- Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles $54,290
- Construction Laborers $53,840
- Roofers $53,430
- Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining $50,860
- Carpet Installers $50,620
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance $50,150
- Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas $50,070
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall $49,720
- Glaziers $48,570
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners $48,450
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers $46,850
- Highway Maintenance Workers $46,280
- Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers $45,010
- Continuous Mining Machine Operators $44,890
- Fence Erectors $37,570
Transport and material moving 35
- Commercial Pilots $124,060
- Air Traffic Controllers $115,440
- Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels $78,020
- Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $77,820
- Locomotive Engineers $76,910
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters $66,370
- Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers $65,480
- Transportation Inspectors $62,950
- Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders $61,560
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $60,450
- Traffic Technicians $55,120
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity $54,090
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $50,540
- Airfield Operations Specialists $48,130
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers $47,470
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors $46,760
- Crane and Tower Operators $46,580
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $44,300
- Bus Drivers, School $43,520
- Material Moving Workers, All Other $43,120
- Conveyor Operators and Tenders $42,910
- Light Truck Drivers $42,600
- Driver/Sales Workers $39,410
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants $39,110
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $37,950
- Sailors and Marine Oilers $37,830
- Packers and Packagers, Hand $36,850
- Taxi Drivers $36,650
- Stockers and Order Fillers $36,500
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs $35,780
- Aircraft Service Attendants $35,630
- Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other $35,260
- Transportation Workers, All Other $32,630
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment $31,590
- Parking Attendants $29,170
Arts, design, entertainment and media 34
- Art Directors $94,000
- Fashion Designers $81,700
- Technical Writers $81,150
- Commercial and Industrial Designers $77,790
- Special Effects Artists and Animators $72,320
- Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners $70,260
- Athletes and Sports Competitors $67,930
- Public Relations Specialists $62,230
- Writers and Authors $59,040
- Interior Designers $58,830
- Craft Artists $58,750
- Editors $58,740
- Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film $58,080
- Producers and Directors $57,320
- Audio and Video Technicians $56,830
- Set and Exhibit Designers $56,100
- Media and Communication Workers, All Other $55,200
- Interpreters and Translators $52,080
- Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $52,000
- Graphic Designers $50,900
- Film and Video Editors $49,670
- Sound Engineering Technicians $48,800
- Broadcast Technicians $44,990
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $44,270
- Coaches and Scouts $43,790
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys $39,280
- Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials $37,300
- Photographers $37,280
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $35,390
- Floral Designers $30,520
- Actors not reported
- Dancers not reported
- Musicians and Singers not reported
- Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other not reported
Life, physical and social science 33
- Psychologists, All Other $127,230
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists $116,480
- Economists $115,520
- Physical Scientists, All Other $111,170
- Food Scientists and Technologists $101,570
- Nuclear Technicians $96,930
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $96,880
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers $95,210
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $86,340
- Chemists $81,720
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $80,500
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $80,040
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists $77,380
- Urban and Regional Planners $77,360
- Biochemists and Biophysicists $72,600
- Soil and Plant Scientists $70,450
- Microbiologists $68,630
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $67,190
- Epidemiologists $64,810
- Forensic Science Technicians $64,700
- Biological Scientists, All Other $63,290
- Foresters $62,980
- Conservation Scientists $60,900
- School Psychologists $60,270
- Occupational Health and Safety Technicians $60,090
- Chemical Technicians $58,690
- Food Science Technicians $55,830
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $52,400
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health $52,140
- Survey Researchers $51,680
- Biological Technicians $47,360
- Forest and Conservation Technicians $46,860
- Agricultural Technicians $46,450
Management 31
- Chief Executives $158,930
- Architectural and Engineering Managers $153,670
- Natural Sciences Managers $143,730
- Computer and Information Systems Managers $139,740
- Financial Managers $133,560
- Purchasing Managers $132,370
- Managers, All Other $117,050
- Marketing Managers $112,250
- Industrial Production Managers $106,120
- Public Relations Managers $106,000
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary $105,050
- Construction Managers $104,350
- Medical and Health Services Managers $102,540
- Sales Managers $102,420
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary $98,600
- Compensation and Benefits Managers $97,530
- Administrative Services Managers $97,270
- Training and Development Managers $96,780
- Facilities Managers $96,640
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $96,410
- Postmasters and Mail Superintendents $91,750
- Fundraising Managers $86,690
- Education Administrators, All Other $78,350
- Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling $77,950
- General and Operations Managers $77,410
- Emergency Management Directors $74,560
- Social and Community Service Managers $65,060
- Funeral Home Managers $61,760
- Food Service Managers $61,220
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers $58,450
- Lodging Managers $56,610
Business and financial 30
- Management Analysts $95,830
- Labor Relations Specialists $93,910
- Financial Risk Specialists $93,790
- Project Management Specialists $88,770
- Financial and Investment Analysts $88,400
- Personal Financial Advisors $84,040
- Financial Examiners $82,640
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other $81,060
- Budget Analysts $78,790
- Insurance Underwriters $78,100
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators $76,220
- Financial Specialists, All Other $75,690
- Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage $74,180
- Cost Estimators $73,360
- Accountants and Auditors $73,210
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists $73,180
- Logisticians $72,850
- Loan Officers $72,730
- Compliance Officers $64,960
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists $64,280
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents $63,500
- Credit Analysts $63,440
- Human Resources Specialists $62,710
- Fundraisers $61,640
- Training and Development Specialists $58,120
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners $53,000
- Property Appraisers and Assessors $49,040
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents $47,780
- Credit Counselors $46,860
- Tax Preparers $42,280
Architecture and engineering 29
- Nuclear Engineers $126,010
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer $114,140
- Aerospace Engineers $112,220
- Electrical Engineers $106,100
- Computer Hardware Engineers $101,120
- Chemical Engineers $101,010
- Materials Engineers $99,160
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval $97,970
- Industrial Engineers $95,610
- Civil Engineers $93,020
- Engineers, All Other $93,020
- Mechanical Engineers $91,890
- Environmental Engineers $87,360
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians $84,530
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians $81,200
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters $80,720
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers $77,550
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists $77,380
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians $75,000
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors $73,840
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other $71,050
- Mechanical Drafters $66,740
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians $63,320
- Landscape Architects $63,040
- Architectural and Civil Drafters $62,290
- Surveyors $59,500
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians $55,040
- Drafters, All Other $53,780
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians $50,270
Personal care and service 26
- First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers $61,060
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services $49,660
- Skincare Specialists $49,410
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers $46,480
- Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers $44,830
- Barbers $44,390
- Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers, All Other $43,830
- Manicurists and Pedicurists $38,950
- Funeral Attendants $37,410
- Residential Advisors $36,180
- Costume Attendants $35,850
- Concierges $34,090
- Baggage Porters and Bellhops $33,350
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $31,320
- Tour and Travel Guides $31,230
- Recreation Workers $30,910
- Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants $30,740
- Animal Trainers $30,700
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $30,390
- Childcare Workers $29,810
- Animal Caretakers $29,390
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers $28,810
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants $28,500
- Gambling Service Workers, All Other $28,080
- Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other $28,020
- Gambling Dealers $25,720
Protective service 22
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $91,150
- Fire Inspectors and Investigators $83,130
- First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other $79,250
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators $78,670
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers $76,500
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers $65,250
- Fish and Game Wardens $61,780
- Transportation Security Screeners $61,400
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers $60,720
- Protective Service Workers, All Other $50,230
- Firefighters $48,470
- First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers $45,390
- Animal Control Workers $45,280
- Private Detectives and Investigators $43,780
- Bailiffs $43,680
- Correctional Officers and Jailers $41,310
- Security Guards $40,680
- Parking Enforcement Workers $39,510
- Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators $36,380
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers $33,190
- School Bus Monitors $31,750
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers $29,190
Sales 20
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products $92,100
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers $81,540
- Sales Engineers $73,700
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents $62,870
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products $60,580
- Insurance Sales Agents $59,680
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel $58,950
- Real Estate Brokers $58,690
- Advertising Sales Agents $56,490
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers $45,580
- Travel Agents $44,290
- Demonstrators and Product Promoters $41,680
- Real Estate Sales Agents $38,910
- Parts Salespersons $38,500
- Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers $37,440
- Counter and Rental Clerks $35,770
- Sales and Related Workers, All Other $31,360
- Retail Salespersons $31,250
- Cashiers $29,400
- Telemarketers $28,380
Computing and mathematics 19
- Actuaries $118,940
- Software Developers $114,550
- Computer and Information Research Scientists $109,910
- Database Architects $108,820
- Computer Network Architects $108,480
- Information Security Analysts $102,440
- Web Developers $100,950
- Computer Programmers $93,550
- Computer Systems Analysts $92,740
- Database Administrators $87,600
- Data Scientists $85,570
- Computer Occupations, All Other $84,250
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators $81,600
- Web and Digital Interface Designers $76,320
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $76,190
- Statisticians $64,460
- Computer Network Support Specialists $60,610
- Operations Research Analysts $55,640
- Computer User Support Specialists $52,730
Community and social service 16
- Marriage and Family Therapists $64,900
- Health Education Specialists $60,110
- Clergy $59,980
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $56,640
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors $53,790
- Healthcare Social Workers $53,060
- Social Workers, All Other $52,080
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other $49,440
- Community Health Workers $47,410
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers $47,200
- Rehabilitation Counselors $46,750
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $46,250
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists $45,390
- Religious Workers, All Other $42,380
- Counselors, All Other $39,340
- Social and Human Service Assistants $38,740
Healthcare support 16
- Massage Therapists $66,870
- Occupational Therapy Assistants $62,830
- Physical Therapist Assistants $60,940
- Dental Assistants $45,220
- Medical Equipment Preparers $42,390
- Phlebotomists $39,770
- Medical Assistants $39,310
- Occupational Therapy Aides $38,380
- Nursing Assistants $37,170
- Pharmacy Aides $37,120
- Orderlies $36,190
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other $36,190
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers $35,040
- Medical Transcriptionists $30,060
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides $29,640
- Physical Therapist Aides $28,340
Food preparation and serving 14
- Chefs and Head Cooks $59,220
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $36,990
- Cooks, Restaurant $35,320
- Cooks, Short Order $35,300
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant $31,080
- Dishwashers $31,000
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $30,920
- Food Preparation Workers $30,530
- Cooks, Fast Food $29,450
- Fast Food and Counter Workers $29,310
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $28,470
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop $28,030
- Bartenders $27,060
- Waiters and Waitresses $26,950
Building and grounds maintenance 9
- Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other $63,090
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers $46,870
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners $46,860
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers $42,310
- Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation $39,270
- Pest Control Workers $38,570
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers $37,380
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $34,080
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $31,200
Farming, fishing and forestry 7
- First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers $59,840
- Agricultural Inspectors $49,000
- Agricultural Equipment Operators $46,610
- Logging Equipment Operators $41,630
- Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products $39,280
- Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse $36,760
- Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals $34,400
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary in Missouri?
The median across all occupations is $46,390 a year, or $22.30 an hour, covering 2,918,050 wage and salary workers. Median rather than mean, because a handful of very high earners pull an average upward and describe nobody.
Which jobs pay the most in Missouri?
Nurse Anesthetists ($221,550), Family Medicine Physicians ($216,990), Pediatricians, General ($215,040) lead the table. Medical specialities dominate the top of almost every state list, which says more about how the occupation is classified than about local conditions.
What does Missouri employ the most people in?
General and Operations Managers, with 105,210 employed at a median of $77,410. The largest occupations in any state are usually retail, food service, transport and administrative roles.
Does a higher salary here mean more money in practice?
Not necessarily. Wages and living costs move together. Missouri electricity averages 13.68¢ per kilowatt-hour against a national 16.44¢ in Texas as one comparison, and housing costs vary far more than that. Read a salary figure alongside what it costs to live where it is earned.