Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Derby, KS: $44,694 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Derby, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,694 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Derby's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,168 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,966) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Derby, Kansas, the projected entry-level physical therapist assistant salary for 2026 starts at approximately $44,694, which sets a foundation for new graduates entering the workforce. While this amount is significantly below the city median salary of $62,966, there is a clear growth trajectory available; over the first few years in the profession, earnings could realistically rise through the P25 level of $54,981, and eventually closer to the median with gained experience and skills. This competitiveness in pay combined with the low cost of living index at 90.9 makes Derby an attractive market for new PTAs, particularly for those eager to establish themselves before potentially seeking positions elsewhere.
About the Derby Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Derby
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 Derby
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Derby, KS typically start between $44,694 and $54,981 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $35,037 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,966 — 10.36% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Kansas of $13,000 represents just 29.09% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($44,694/year) in Derby. 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 Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school programs.
PTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Derby
- 1Research the Derby market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $44,694 to $54,981, 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 Derby, 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 Derby for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Derby's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Assistant Compensation Range
The physical therapist assistant wage spread in Derby is $35,037 ( 78.39%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,694, experienced hygienists can earn up to $79,731.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,477
2025 BLS Actual
$43,506
2026 Current Est.
$44,694
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Derby (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,477 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,832 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,967 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,488 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,367 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,407 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,506 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,694 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,914 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Derby, KS grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,477 in 2019 to $43,506 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,914. New graduates entering the Derby job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Derby 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 2.73% 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 Derby
New graduates in Derby will find that various employers are keen to hire early-career physical therapist assistants. Outpatient rehabilitation clinics often provide the most accessible entry points for new grads, while skilled nursing facilities may also recruit despite recent challenges in Medicare reimbursement. It's essential for aspiring PTAs to have an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, pass the NPTAE national exam, and acquire a state PTA license. To enhance starting salaries further, pursuing advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can be advantageous. Given the current economic environment and the 15% cut in Medicare Part B reimbursement, strategic job selection is crucial; those working in heavily Medicare-reliant settings, such as SNFs, might experience more stagnation in salary growth initially. Consequently, new professionals should aim to cultivate skills and prove their value in the first 1-3 years, paving the way for potential salary increases and career advancements.
More salary data for Derby, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Derby in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Derby?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Derby?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Derby?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Kansas?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Kansas
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
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 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Derby. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Derby 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 2.73%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapist assistants (SOC 31-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov