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Nursing jobs in Missouri 2026

Vacancies, salaries, EB-3 demand and licensing — verified against BLS OEWS 2025 + HRSA NCHWA 2026.

RN Shortage
7,800
High 9.8%
Median Annual Salary
$85,900
$41.3/hr
COL-Adjusted
$77,804
COL index: 92
Compact State?
Yes
NLC multistate eligible

Key insight

In Missouri, there is a shortage of 7,800 registered nurses as of 2026 — 9.8% of the state's nursing workforce demand. Median RN salary is $85,900 per year. After cost of living adjustment, purchasing power equals $77,804 in national terms. This is a HIGH-priority EB-3 sponsorship state — international nurses are actively recruited here.

Top hiring cities

  • • Kansas City
  • • St. Louis
  • • Springfield

State nursing board

Missouri State Board of Nursing
Endorsement fee: $55 · NCLEX attempts allowed: 8/year
Licensing portal