Kansas City vs Liberty: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Kansas City, MO and Liberty, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kansas City, MO | Liberty, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,370▲ | $62,298 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.39▲ | $29.95 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,019▲ | $43,890 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,107▲ | $54,348 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,938▲ | $69,346 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,201▲ | $76,603 |
| Total Employed | 880▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Liberty.
The salary gap between Kansas City and Liberty is $5,072 (8.14%). Kansas City's median is -4.10% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kansas City spans $30,182,Liberty spans $32,713. Liberty has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kansas City ($72,799 effective) pays 4.70% more than Liberty ($69,529 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,370/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,201)
- ✓Larger job market (880 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,799)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Liberty if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Kansas City grew 13.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.5% growth in Liberty over the same period.
Kansas City, MO
$57,960 (2019) → $65,580 (2025)
Liberty, MO
$52,979 (2024) → $60,642 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kansas City, MO
Liberty, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Kansas City or Liberty?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kansas City and Liberty?
Should I relocate from Kansas City to Liberty as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Kansas City vs Liberty?
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Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov