Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Leavenworth, KS: $69,798 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Leavenworth, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $69,798 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Leavenworth's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $76,785 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($93,597) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of physical therapy in Leavenworth, Kansas, the starting physical therapist salary is a pivotal aspect to consider. In 2026, entry-level positions can expect compensation around $69,798, significantly lower than the projected median annual salary of $93,597 for experienced practitioners in the region. This presents a gap that early-career clinicians will navigate as they gain experience and skills. The salary growth trajectory is promising, with entry-level pay progressing to $77,314 at the 25th percentile and potentially reaching the median within the first few years. With a 2.46% annual growth rate projected over the next five years, Leavenworth offers a viable market for new physical therapy graduates eager to begin their professional journey.
About the Leavenworth Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Leavenworth
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Leavenworth
Entry-level physical therapists in Leavenworth, KS typically start between $69,798 and $77,314 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $53,514 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $93,597 — 11.1% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Kansas of $90,000 represents just 128.94% of the starting physical therapist pay ($69,798/year) in Leavenworth. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. Tuition varies substantially between public in-state DPT programs and private institutions; most programs require a prerequisite bachelor's degree.
PT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Leavenworth
- 1Research the Leavenworth market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $69,798 to $77,314, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Leavenworth, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Leavenworth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Leavenworth's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Compensation Range
The physical therapist wage spread in Leavenworth is $53,514 ( 76.67%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $69,798, experienced hygienists can earn up to $123,312.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$54,858
2025 BLS Actual
$68,122
2026 Current Est.
$69,798
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Leavenworth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,858 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,103 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,690 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,971 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,812 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,208 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,122 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,798 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,515 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Leavenworth, KS grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $54,858 in 2019 to $68,122 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $71,515. New graduates entering the Leavenworth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Leavenworth metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.46% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Leavenworth
When assessing potential employers in Leavenworth, new graduate physical therapists will find that outpatient orthopedic chains, such as ATI and Select Medical, often hire entry-level candidates, though they may initially offer lower salaries compared to hospital systems that provide structured residency programs. Skilled nursing facilities, like Genesis and RehabCare, typically provide competitive starting pay and additional opportunities for growth. To enhance their marketability, new therapists should complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, pass the NPTE national exam, and obtain state licensure. While entry-level positions may not offer the highest compensation, establishing a strong foundation within the first few years of practice will lead to realistic salary growth as one navigates the evolving landscape influenced by factors such as productivity expectations and reimbursement changes from CMS.
More salary data for Leavenworth, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Leavenworth in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Leavenworth?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Leavenworth?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Leavenworth?
How do I become a physical therapist in Kansas?
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Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Leavenworth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Leavenworth is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.46%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapists (SOC 29-1123).
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov