Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Kansas City, KS: $50.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Kansas City, KS runs $50.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,421 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Kansas City's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $55.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,656 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, physical therapists in Kansas City, Kansas will see a median hourly pay of $50.21, which is slightly below the national median of $50.62. This rate provides a reasonable income for those working in various settings like outpatient clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and even home health visits. For physical therapists who operate part-time, such as those working three days a week, this hourly rate facilitates a flexible schedule while ensuring a solid income. Entry-level positions may start around $35.66, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $66.11 hourly, reflecting a breadth of experience and specialization in the field. These hourly estimates, derived from annual salary data, underscore the diverse compensation potential for physical therapists in the local market.
About the Kansas City Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.66 | $285.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.33 | $322.63 |
| Median (P50) | $50.21 | $401.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.27 | $474.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.11 | $528.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kansas City
Based on $50.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.21/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kansas City, KS can expect to earn approximately $104,427 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,246. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kansas City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kansas City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,008.22 | $8,702 | $104,427 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,204.93 | $5,221 | $62,656 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $803.29 | $3,481 | $41,771 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Kansas City) | $50.21 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Chiropractor (National Avg) | $36.85 |
| Exercise Physiologist (National Avg) | $26.75 |
Physical Therapists in Kansas City, KS earn a median of $104,421 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.82% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 9.10% above the Kansas state average of $95,711.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.21/hr = $62,656/year (purchasing power: $68,929).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,427/year (purchasing power: $114,881).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Kansas City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Kansas City grew 14.9% from $42.65/hr (2019) to $49.00/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.44/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kansas City 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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist in Kansas City
The earning potential for physical therapists working part-time in Kansas City can lead to a substantial annual income. A part-time therapist logging 24 hours a week could expect to take home about $62,825 each year, which is a considerable amount compared to many sectors. In contrast, per diem or agency physical therapists experience variations in pay, typically billing between $50 to $75 per hour. For those on travel contracts, the compensation often reaches $1,800 to $2,800 a week, and specialized cash-pay segments, particularly in higher cost of living areas, could command rates of $150 to $250 hourly. Factors such as employer type significantly influence compensation; outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer lower hourly rates than hospitals but could provide bonuses linked to productivity. Therapists might choose to accept a slightly lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance, an important consideration in the current job market. Negotiating pay in Kansas City often hinges on highlighting specific skills and experiences relevant to the employer's needs, enabling therapists to maximize their income based on the setting they choose to work in.
More salary data for Kansas City, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Kansas City in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Kansas City?
Are physical therapists in Kansas City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Kansas City?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Kansas City?
Related Pages
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapists in Kansas City. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kansas City 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