Physical Therapist Salary in Kansas City, KS: $85,994 (2026)

Physical Therapist Pay in Kansas City: What to Expect (2026)

Kansas City offers a median physical therapist salary of $85,994, which is $978 above the Kansas state average of $85,016. Compared to the national median of $97,720, Kansas City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Kansas City's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $85,994 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $97,720 in an average-cost city. This makes Kansas City an attractive option for physical therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for physical therapists in Kansas City spans from $58,784 at the 10th percentile to $114,576 at the 90th percentile — a $55,792 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,840, while senior physical therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $112,640. With a population of 156,607, Kansas City is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physical Therapist Salary in Kansas City by Experience

In Kansas City, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $59,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $112,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$59,840

$-8,160 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$86,240

$-11,760 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$112,640

$-15,360 vs national

Percentile	Kansas City	KS State	National
10th Percentile	$58,784	$58,116	$66,800
25th Percentile	$70,576	$69,774	$80,200
Median (50th)	$85,994	$85,016	$97,720
75th Percentile	$102,432	$101,268	$116,400
90th Percentile	$114,576	$113,274	$130,200

Percentile

Kansas City

10th Percentile

$58,784

25th Percentile

$70,576

Median (50th)

$85,994

75th Percentile

$102,432

90th Percentile

$114,576

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Kansas City

Education

Most physical therapist positions require a doctoral degree. Kansas City and the surrounding Kansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Manual TherapyExercise PrescriptionPatient AssessmentRehabilitationAnatomyDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, physical therapist employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Kansas City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Kansas City

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Kansas City, KS? ▼

The median physical therapist salary in Kansas City, Kansas is $85,994 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $58,784 (10th percentile) to $114,576 (90th percentile).

How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in Kansas City? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $85,994, a physical therapist in Kansas City earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Kansas City compare to the Kansas state average for physical therapist pay? ▼

Kansas City's median physical therapist salary of $85,994 is 1.2% above the Kansas state average of $85,016. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Kansas City, KS? ▼

Kansas City has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a physical therapist salary of $85,994 in Kansas City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a physical therapist in Kansas City? ▼

Most physical therapist positions in Kansas City require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Manual Therapy, Exercise Prescription, Patient Assessment, Rehabilitation. The job market is projected to grow 15% nationally over the next decade.

Physical Therapist Salary in Kansas City, Kansas