Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Junction City, KS: $42,738 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Junction City, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $42,738 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Junction City's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,017 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($60,217) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field as physical therapist assistants in Junction City, Kansas, the starting physical therapist assistant salary is projected to be around $42,738 in 2026. This figure is significantly below the median annual salary for the region, which stands at $60,217, indicating a gap that reflects the entry-level nature of these positions. As entry-level professionals gain experience and skills, salaries may progress steadily; it's realistic for many to expect to earn approximately $56,144 after a few years in the field, eventually moving closer to the median as they build their qualifications. Given the steady growth rate of 2.73% annually, Junction City appears to be a viable market for new graduates starting their careers in physical therapy assistance.
About the Junction City Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Junction City
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 Junction City
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Junction City, KS typically start between $42,738 and $56,144 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $33,092 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $60,217 — 14.28% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Kansas of $13,000 represents just 30.42% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($42,738/year) in Junction City. 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 Junction City
- 1Research the Junction City market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $42,738 to $56,144, 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 Junction City, 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 Junction City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Junction City'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 Junction City is $33,092 ( 77.43%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $42,738, experienced hygienists can earn up to $75,830.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,143
2025 BLS Actual
$41,602
2026 Current Est.
$42,738
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Junction City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,143 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,483 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,480 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,760 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,688 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,733 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,602 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,738 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,904 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Junction City, KS grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,143 in 2019 to $41,602 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $43,904. New graduates entering the Junction City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Junction 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 2.73% 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 Junction City
Employers actively seeking newly graduated physical therapist assistants in Junction City are primarily outpatient facilities, where most new hires enter the field. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) also remain a recruitment source, although recent Medicare reimbursement cuts may make these environments less financially favorable for PTAs. Home health agencies typically prefer candidates with a year or two of clinical experience, which can be a consideration for new graduates seeking positions. To enhance potential earnings right from the start, candidates should ensure they have completed an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passed the NPTAE national exam, and obtained a state PTA license. Furthermore, pursuing advanced proficiency credentials via the APTA can bolster one's marketability. In the first three years of career progression, while initial entry-level salaries might be lower, targeted strategies around continued education and gaining experience in various clinical settings can lead to significant salary increases, especially as the demand for PTAs continues to grow amidst adjustments to reimbursement models.
More salary data for Junction City, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Junction City in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Junction City?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Junction City?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Junction City?
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 Junction City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Junction 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 2.73%, 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