Healthcare Columbia, MO Pop. 126,254

Physical Therapist Salary in Columbia, Missouri

The median physical therapist salary in Columbia, MO is $85,994 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 0.0% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$85,994
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-11,726
Cost of Living
88%

Physical Therapist Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median physical therapist salary of $85,994, which is $0 above the Missouri state average of $85,994. Compared to the national median of $97,720, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Columbia'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 Columbia an attractive option for physical therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for physical therapists in Columbia 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 126,254, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physical Therapist Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, 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

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MO

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $58,784
25th Percentile $70,576
Median (50th) $85,994
75th Percentile $102,432
90th Percentile $114,576

Physical Therapist Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$89,902
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$87,948
Pop. 301,578
Independence, MO
$83,062
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$80,130
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Columbia

Education

Most physical therapist positions require a doctoral degree. Columbia and the surrounding Missouri 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 Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physical Therapist Jobs in Columbia

Browse open physical therapist positions in Columbia, MO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Columbia

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Columbia, MO? ▼
The median physical therapist salary in Columbia, Missouri 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 Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $85,994, a physical therapist in Columbia earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Missouri state average for physical therapist pay? ▼
Columbia's median physical therapist salary of $85,994 is 0.0% above the Missouri state average of $85,994. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MO? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a physical therapist salary of $85,994 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physical therapist in Columbia? ▼
Most physical therapist positions in Columbia 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.