Healthcare Kansas City, MO Pop. 508,090

Physical Therapist Salary in Kansas City, Missouri

The median physical therapist salary in Kansas City, MO is $89,902 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 4.5% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$89,902
vs State Avg
+$3,908
vs National
$-7,818
Cost of Living
92%

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

Kansas City offers a median physical therapist salary of $89,902, which is $3,908 above the Missouri state average of $85,994. Compared to the national median of $97,720, Kansas City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Kansas City's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for physical therapists in Kansas City spans from $61,456 at the 10th percentile to $119,784 at the 90th percentile — a $58,328 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $62,560, while senior physical therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $117,760. As a major metro area with a population of 508,090, Kansas City typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Physical Therapist Salary in Kansas City by Experience

In Kansas City, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $62,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $117,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$62,560
$-5,440 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$90,160
$-7,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$117,760
$-10,240 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kansas City, MO

Percentile Kansas City
10th Percentile $61,456
25th Percentile $73,784
Median (50th) $89,902
75th Percentile $107,088
90th Percentile $119,784

Physical Therapist Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Saint Louis, MO
$87,948
Pop. 301,578
Columbia, MO
$85,994
Pop. 126,254
Independence, MO
$83,062
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$80,130
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Kansas City

Education

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

Find Physical Therapist Jobs in Kansas City

Browse open physical therapist positions in Kansas City, MO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Kansas City

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Kansas City, MO? ▼
The median physical therapist salary in Kansas City, Missouri is $89,902 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $61,456 (10th percentile) to $119,784 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in Kansas City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $89,902, a physical therapist in Kansas City earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kansas City compare to the Missouri state average for physical therapist pay? ▼
Kansas City's median physical therapist salary of $89,902 is 4.5% above the Missouri state average of $85,994. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Kansas City, MO? ▼
Kansas City has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a physical therapist salary of $89,902 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.