Business administration professionals in Missouri find themselves in a diverse and growing economy, where salaries vary across roles and industries. from entrepreneurs forging their path to supply chain managers streamlining logistics, this article explores the nuances of business administration salaries in the Show-Me State.
Salaries for business administration professionals vary based on roles, experience and industry dynamics. And because the cost of living is lower than the national average, Missouri salaries for careers in business administration may look especially attractive.
There are roughly 95,120 people employed as general and operations managers in Missouri, says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median wage per hour is $37 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 4.2%.
Missouri is known for its diverse industries, from agriculture to advanced manufacturing. The state's central location and transportation infrastructure contribute to its role as a logistics hub in the Midwest. Here are some top employers for business administration professionals in the state:
Boeing:
St. Louis, MO. A major player in the aerospace manufacturing industry, Boeing in Missouri is the country's second-largest defense contractor and hires business administrators for various roles, including operations and supply chain management.
Express Scripts:
St. Louis, MO. Operating in the healthcare sector where it helps manage prescriptions and pharmaceuticals online, Express Scripts is a significant employer for business administrators, particularly in roles related to operations and management.
Anheuser-Busch InBev:
St. Louis, MO. As a brewing company, Anheuser-Busch InBev offers opportunities for business administration professionals in areas such as operations and supply chain management.
Edward Jones:
St. Louis, MO. Though it has branches everywhere, Edward Jones HQ is located in Missouri. In the financial services sector, Edward Jones hires business administrators for leadership roles, including executives and managers.
Emerson Electric Co.:
Ferguson–St. Louis, MO. Operating in the manufacturing sector, Emerson Electric Co. provides positions for business administrators, particularly in operations and management.
Business administration salary Missouri statistics
While the median salary for business administration professionals—a category that includes careers in management, sales, marketing and some other business fields—is just over $76,850 a year according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pay may vary depending upon several factors, including where you work and live and the cost of living, how much experience you have, what certifications you have earned and your level of education.
Salaries for different business admin roles in Missouri
Entrepreneurs:
Entrepreneurs in Missouri experience a range of incomes, with small business owners earning around $50,000 to $100,000 annually. Successful entrepreneurs leading larger ventures can surpass the $200,000 mark, says the BLS.
Leadership roles:
CEOs, CFOs, and other top executives in Missouri's major corporations can earn salaries exceeding $150,000, with some executives reaching into the million-dollar range. As an example, the CEO of Boeing earned a $7 million salary base in 2022, which does not include bonuses and incentives.
Operations and general managers:
Salaries for operations and general managers typically fall between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, influenced by factors like company size and industry.
Supply chain managers:
In the logistics hub of the Midwest, supply chain managers can earn between $60,000 and $110,000 per year, with variations based on the scope of responsibilities and industry demands.
Median business administration salary in Missouri
The median annual salary for general and operations managers in Missouri is $77,030 according to the BLS. That wage is less than the national median for the country, which is $101,280. And even with its aerospace manufacturing industry, Missouri does not rank in the top five paying states in the U.S. for general and operations managers, or as a top 10 highest employer of people in the field.
General and Operations Managers
10%$37,040
25%$49,690
50%$77,030Median
75%$121,050
90%$178,600
Median Hourly Wage$37
Job growth4.2%
Total Employment95,120
Metro area
Median Salary
Bottom 10%
Top 10%
Kansas City, MO-KS
$89,060
$44,580
$205,470
St. Louis, MO-IL
$83,160
$40,090
$205,980
Columbia, MO
$76,140
$37,320
$165,270
St. Joseph, MO-KS
$73,850
$37,790
$171,480
Jefferson City, MO
$73,070
$36,490
$162,240
Springfield, MO
$71,250
$35,830
$158,140
Cape Girardeau, MO-IL
$69,930
$35,290
$160,220
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2023 median salary; projected job growth through 2032. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Salary range for a business administration career in Missouri
The salary range for general and operations professionals in Missouri typically spans from $37,040 to well over $178,600 per year. This accounts for entry-level positions to senior-level roles and takes into consideration other factors such as experience, education and time in the position.
Pay by metro area within Missouri
Your salary may depend upon where you live in Missouri. For example, St. Louis or Springfield tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas. If your city is an industry hub, like St. Louis is, pay may be more competitive. Here are the top metro areas for general and operations managers. As you can see, no cities in Missouri make the list.
Metro Area
Median Annual Salary
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
$166,660
Trenton, NJ
$154,790
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA
$143,250
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
$142,730
Sioux Falls, SD
$139,070
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA
$138,630
Boulder, CO
$135,850
Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT
$134,530
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
$134,040
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO
$133,220
Factors affecting business administration salaries in Missouri
Several factors influence what your business administration salary may be in Missouri. These primary factors may include:
Experience:
Seasoned, long-time professionals may command higher salaries, reflecting their expertise.
Geographic location:
Salaries may vary across different cities in Missouri, with metropolitan areas generally offering higher compensation.
Industry:
Salaries can vary significantly based on the industry, with finance and technology generally offering higher compensation.
Company size:
Larger corporations typically provide higher salaries, especially for leadership roles.
How can I know if I am being paid fairly as a business administrator in Missouri?
Understanding Missouri's state labor and pay laws is crucial to ensure fair compensation. Employees can refer to the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations for information on minimum wage, overtime and other employment regulations.
Here are some steps you can take if you feel you are being paid unfairly:
Research industry standards: Utilize salary surveys, such as those on Indeed and Payscale to understand average compensation for your role in your geographical area.
Discuss your concerns: Connect with other professionals in your industry through networking events, online forums or professional associations to understand what others with the same experience are earning.
Understand your company policies: Familiarize yourself with your company's policies on compensation and benefits. Understand how performance reviews and salary adjustments are handled within the organization. If you are unclear or have questions about your company specifically, ask your supervisor or HR manager.
Education and training for the state of Missouri
While a bachelor's degree may be sufficient for entry-level positions, many business administration professionals in Missouri pursue advanced degrees such as an MBA, for career advancement. Here is a common education path:
Master's degree or MBA will likely be required for leadership, management or HR.
Consider a doctorate if you want to move into international business, research or academia.
Many MBA and master's degree programs are available online as well as in a classroom-based format so you can continue your studies while you work.
Cost of living considerations for MO
Missouri's cost of living is, on average 10% lower than the national average—with housing around 20% lower than the national average, says RentCafe.
RentCafe says all major cities in Missouri have a lower cost of living than the national average. Take a look at places where the cost of living is lowest:
City in Missouri
Cost of living percentage
Columbia
6% lower
Springfield
13% lower
St. Louis
13% lower
Joplin
17% lower
Kansas City
6% lower
Missouri professional associations
Professional associations have value for business administration professionals, especially those just beginning their careers, as they provide valuable networking opportunities, continuing education resources and a platform for peers to stay up to date on the latest trends and best practices in their fields. You may want to consider attending events or becoming a member to continue your professional and educational growth and to connect with like-minded individuals in Missouri or other states.
Missouri Association of Manufacturers (MAM): Relevant for business administrators in the manufacturing sector.
Logistics and Supply Chain Management Association: Applicants must either be enrolled in transportation or logistics & supply chain management related classes at an accredited academic institution or have work experience in the industries.
Business administration salaries in Missouri reflect the state's economic diversity. From the entrepreneurial spirit to logistics prowess, professionals in the Show-Me State can find rewarding opportunities across a spectrum of roles and industries. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, negotiate salaries and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.
Find business administration salaries for other states
Learn what you may be able to earn in your state, how the cost of living and other factors could impact your pay, why education matters—especially in business administration leadership roles—and much more.
