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Healthcare · Missouri

How to Become a Registered Nurses in Missouri

Registered Nurses in Missouri earn a median salary of $81,780/year, which is 16% below the national average. Missouri has a state income tax of ~3.8%. After taxes and rent, a registered nurses takes home approximately $4,035/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.

$82K
Median salary in Missouri
-16%
vs. national average
3.8%
State income tax
76,310
Employed in Missouri

What a registered nurses can afford in Missouri

Gross annual salary$81,780
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 3.8% state tax)$5,234/mo
Median 2BR rent (Missouri)-$1,199/mo
Rent as % of take-home22.9% (within guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$81,780/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$4,035/mo

Becoming a registered nurses in Missouri

1

Meet education requirements

Registered Nurses positions in Missouri typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Missouri. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

This career typically involves none in Missouri. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Missouri licensure or certification

Missouri may require specific licensing or professional certification for registered nursess. Requirements vary by state, contact the Missouri Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Missouri

Missouri employs 76,310 registered nurses. The highest concentrations are in Jefferson City and Columbia.

Registered Nurses salary by metro area in Missouri

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Jefferson City$85K$40.87/hr1,910
Columbia$84K$40.54/hr3,680
St. Louis$83K$39.99/hr35,200
Kansas City$83K$39.92/hr29,650
Cape Girardeau$83K$39.73/hr1,470
Springfield$79K$38.16/hr6,820
St. Joseph$77K$37.13/hr1,490
Joplin$75K$36.03/hr2,670

Registered Nurses salary range in Missouri

10th percentile (entry)
$63K
25th percentile
$76K
Median (50th)
$82K
75th percentile
$99K
90th percentile (senior)
$104K
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Full registered nurses salary breakdown in Missouri
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a registered nurses make in Missouri?

The median registered nurses salary in Missouri is $81,780 per year ($39.32/hr). This is 16% below the national median of $97,550. Salaries range from $63,230 to $104,390.

What are the requirements to become a registered nurses in Missouri?

Registered Nurses positions in Missouri typically require Bachelor's degree. Missouri may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Missouri licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a registered nurses afford to live in Missouri?

At the median salary of $81,780, a registered nurses in Missouri would take home approximately $5,234/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,199/month, that's 22.9% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for registered nurses in Missouri?

The highest paying metro areas for registered nurses in Missouri are Jefferson City ($85,010), Columbia ($84,330), St. Louis ($83,180). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros, a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Missouri have state income tax for registered nurses?

Yes, Missouri has a state income tax rate of approximately 3.8%. On a $81,780 salary, this means roughly $3,112/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.