Kirkwood vs St. Louis: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Kirkwood, MO and St. Louis, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kirkwood, MO | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,440 | $149,396▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.21 | $71.82▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,575 | $70,777▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $75,197 | $99,779▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $133,684 | $217,849▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $161,883 | $321,063▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 6,100▲ |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kirkwood.
The salary gap between Kirkwood and St. Louis is $44,956 (43.04%). St. Louis's median is -10.63% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kirkwood spans $101,308,St. Louis spans $250,286. St. Louis has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced lawyers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, St. Louis ($157,113 effective) pays 34.79% more than Kirkwood ($116,563 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kirkwood if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($149,396/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($321,063)
- ✓Larger job market (6,100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $157,113)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Kirkwood grew -12.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 45.5% growth in St. Louis over the same period.
Kirkwood, MO
$113,744 (2024) → $99,752 (2025)
St. Louis, MO
$98,050 (2019) → $142,690 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kirkwood, MO
St. Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov