Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links marked with (Ad). If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

School Psychologists Salary in Missouri: Cost of Living Adjusted (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

What does a School Psychologists salary really buy you in Missouri?

Missouri is 8.9% cheaper than the US average

Data: BLS OEWS 2025 + BEA Regional Price Parities 2022 • Updated 2026-05-19

Nominal Salary
$70,290
Median annual (2025)
+9.8%
Real Purchasing Power
$77,156
COL-adjusted (RPP=91.1)

Missouri Cost of Living Index

Missouri's Regional Price Parity (RPP) is 91.1, meaning prices are 8.9% lower the national average. A School Psychologists earning $70,290 in Missouri has the equivalent purchasing power of $77,156 in an average-cost US state.

MO: 91.1
Cheapest (~85) US Avg (100) Priciest (~115)

Salary Breakdown: Nominal vs. COL-Adjusted

Every dollar goes further in low-cost states. Here is how each salary percentile compares after adjusting for Missouri's cost of living.

Percentile Nominal Salary COL-Adjusted Difference
10th Percentile (P10) $57,290 $62,886 +$5,596
25th Percentile (P25) $63,620 $69,835 +$6,215
Median (P50) $70,290 $77,156 +$6,866
75th Percentile (P75) $82,350 $90,395 +$8,045
90th Percentile (P90) $100,410 $110,219 +$9,809
Key Insight

A School Psychologists in Missouri earns $70,290 on paper, but low living costs mean your money goes 10% further — like earning $77,156 in an average-cost state. This makes Missouri one of the best value states for this occupation.

What the Cost-of-Living Data Says

Missouri Runs Well Below National Cost

RPP 91.1

Missouri's Regional Price Parity (RPP) of 91.1 means a basket of goods and services costs about 8.9% less than the national average. For a School Psychologists, every dollar earned effectively buys more here than in a 100-RPP state.

Meaningful Purchasing-Power Shift

+9.8%

After applying Missouri's RPP, the $70,290 median salary translates to $77,157 in real terms — a 9.8% gain. That difference can cover several months of expenses over a year for a School Psychologists.

Bottom-Quartile COL-Adjusted Pay

#45 / 51

Missouri ranks #45 of 51 — bottom quartile for School Psychologists real purchasing power. Relocation, employer negotiation, or remote roles at higher-paying markets tend to generate the biggest ROI.

Best States for School Psychologists (After Cost of Living)

Where does School Psychologists salary stretch the furthest? Top 10 states ranked by COL-adjusted median salary.

$121,964
RPP 102.3
$121,274
RPP 91.0
$113,582
RPP 112.5
$104,476
RPP 105.0
5. Georgia
$103,455
RPP 95.8
6. Oregon
$99,502
RPP 106.6
7. Ohio
$99,464
RPP 91.5
$99,086
RPP 89.8
$99,071
RPP 109.8
10. New York
$99,024
RPP 107.6

Missouri ranks #45 out of 51 states for School Psychologists after cost-of-living adjustment.

How much do you actually take home? See School Psychologists take-home pay in Missouri after taxes →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the real salary for a School Psychologists in Missouri after cost of living?

A School Psychologists in Missouri earns a median salary of $70,290 per year. After adjusting for Missouri's cost of living (RPP=91.1), the real purchasing power is $77,156 — a +9.8% difference.

Is Missouri expensive to live in?

Missouri's cost of living is 8.9% lower than the national average according to the BEA Regional Price Parities (2022). The RPP index for Missouri is 91.1 (US average = 100).

What are Regional Price Parities (RPP)?

Regional Price Parities (RPPs) are price indexes published by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) that measure differences in price levels across states. They are expressed as a percentage of the national average (US = 100). Higher RPP means higher cost of living.

How is the cost-of-living adjusted salary calculated?

The adjusted salary is calculated as: Nominal Salary x (100 / RPP). For a School Psychologists in Missouri: $70,290 x (100 / 91.1) = $77,156. This represents what the salary would be worth in a state with average living costs.

Is it better to be a School Psychologists in Missouri financially?

From a purchasing power perspective, yes. A School Psychologists in Missouri enjoys 9.8% more buying power than the nominal salary suggests, because living costs are below the national average. However, other factors like job availability, career growth, and quality of life also matter.

What To Do Next

Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

Related Salary Pages

Get Monthly Salary Insights & Career Data

Free data-driven career updates — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Join career-minded Americans who use data to make smarter decisions. Privacy Policy