Healthcare Missouri (MO) Rank #42 of 50

Psychologist Salary in Missouri

The median psychologist salary in Missouri is $75,090 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $85,330.

Median Salary
$75,090
vs National
$-10,240
State Rank
#42 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Psychologist Salary Overview in Missouri (2026)

Missouri ranks #42 out of 50 states for psychologist compensation. Psychologist salaries in Missouri are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $75,090 per year, psychologists in Missouri earn $10,240 less than the national median of $85,330.

A key advantage of working in Missouri is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $75,090 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $85,330 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Missouri is significant: psychologists at the 10th percentile earn $42,240, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $136,400 — a $94,160 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Missouri for this role is Kansas City, where the median reaches $78,504.

Nationally, psychologist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for psychologists across the country.

Psychologist Salary in Missouri by Experience

In Missouri, an entry-level psychologist earns around $45,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $127,600 per year. The cost of living index in Missouri is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,760
$-6,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$77,440
$-10,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$127,600
$-17,400 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Missouri

Percentile MO Salary
10th Percentile $42,240
25th Percentile $56,320
Median (50th) $75,090
75th Percentile $101,200
90th Percentile $136,400

Psychologist Salary by City in Missouri

The largest employment areas for psychologists in Missouri include Kansas City, Saint Louis, Springfield, and Columbia. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Psychologist in Missouri

Education

Most psychologist positions require a doctoral degree. Missouri has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

PsychotherapyPsychological AssessmentCBT/DBTResearch MethodsClinical DocumentationEthics

Job Outlook in Missouri

Nationally, psychologist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Missouri's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Psychologist Salary in Missouri

How much does a Psychologist make in Missouri? ▼
The median psychologist salary in Missouri is $75,090 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $85,330. Salaries range from $42,240 (10th percentile) to $136,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Psychologist make per hour in Missouri? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $75,090, a psychologist in Missouri earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Missouri a good state for psychologists? ▼
Missouri ranks #42 out of 50 states for psychologist pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level psychologists earn $45,760, while senior professionals earn $127,600.
How does Missouri compare to other states for psychologist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for psychologists is Hawaii at $151,887. Missouri's median of $75,090 ranks #42 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Iowa ($75,944) and South Carolina ($75,944).
What is the entry-level psychologist salary in Missouri? ▼
An entry-level psychologist in Missouri earns approximately $45,760 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $77,440. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $127,600.
What city in Missouri pays psychologists the most? ▼
Kansas City is the highest paying city in Missouri for psychologists, with a median salary of $78,504. Other cities include Saint Louis and Springfield.