St. Louis vs Kansas City: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between St. Louis, MO and Kansas City, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | St. Louis, MO | Kansas City, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,617▲ | $67,370 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.51▲ | $32.39 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,519▲ | $53,019 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,799 | $63,107▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $76,719 | $78,938▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,568 | $83,201▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,100▲ | 880 |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kansas City.
The salary gap between St. Louis and Kansas City is $247 (0.37%). St. Louis's median is -3.74% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in St. Louis spans $27,049,Kansas City spans $30,182. Kansas City 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 2.37% more than St. Louis ($71,110 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,617/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,201)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,799)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in St. Louis grew 27.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.1% growth in Kansas City over the same period.
St. Louis, MO
$51,720 (2019) → $65,820 (2025)
Kansas City, MO
$57,960 (2019) → $65,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Louis, MO
Kansas City, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: St. Louis or Kansas City?
What is the hourly rate difference between St. Louis and Kansas City?
Should I relocate from St. Louis to Kansas City as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in St. Louis vs Kansas City?
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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