Physical Therapist Salary in Independence, MO: $83,062 (2026)

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

Independence offers a median physical therapist salary of $83,062, which is $2,932 below the Missouri state average of $85,994. Compared to the national median of $97,720, Independence pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Independence's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $83,062 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $97,720 in an average-cost city. This makes Independence an attractive option for physical therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for physical therapists in Independence spans from $56,780 at the 10th percentile to $110,670 at the 90th percentile — a $53,890 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,800, while senior physical therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $108,800. With a population of 123,011, Independence is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physical Therapist Salary in Independence by Experience

In Independence, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $57,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $108,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$57,800

$-10,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$83,300

$-14,700 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$108,800

$-19,200 vs national

Percentile	Independence	MO State	National
10th Percentile	$56,780	$58,784	$66,800
25th Percentile	$68,170	$70,576	$80,200
Median (50th)	$83,062	$85,994	$97,720
75th Percentile	$98,940	$102,432	$116,400
90th Percentile	$110,670	$114,576	$130,200

Percentile

Independence

10th Percentile

$56,780

25th Percentile

$68,170

Median (50th)

$83,062

75th Percentile

$98,940

90th Percentile

$110,670

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Independence

Education

Most physical therapist positions require a doctoral degree. Independence 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 Independence may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Independence

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Independence, MO? ▼

The median physical therapist salary in Independence, Missouri is $83,062 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $56,780 (10th percentile) to $110,670 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $83,062, a physical therapist in Independence earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Independence compare to the Missouri state average for physical therapist pay? ▼

Independence's median physical therapist salary of $83,062 is 3.4% below the Missouri state average of $85,994. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Independence, MO? ▼

Independence has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a physical therapist salary of $83,062 in Independence has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most physical therapist positions in Independence 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 Independence, Missouri