Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Liberal, KS: $45,957 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Liberal, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,957 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Liberal's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,558 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($59,555) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the field as physical therapist assistants in Liberal, Kansas, the starting pay typically hovers around $45,957 in 2026. Graduates should temper their expectations knowing that this entry-level figure is significantly lower than the median annual salary of $59,555 for the region. Despite the gap, new professionals can anticipate a steady salary growth trajectory from $45,957 through $54,712 as they gain experience, potentially reaching the median after about three to five years. Given the projected 2.73% annual growth rate, Liberal appears to offer a reasonable market for fresh graduates eager to start their careers, though staying informed about local demand and opportunities can help maximize their early earnings.
About the Liberal Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Liberal
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 Liberal
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Liberal, KS typically start between $45,957 and $54,712 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $29,988 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $59,555 — 15.22% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Kansas of $13,000 represents just 28.29% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($45,957/year) in Liberal. 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 Liberal
- 1Research the Liberal market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $45,957 to $54,712, 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 Liberal, 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 Liberal for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Liberal'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 Liberal is $29,988 ( 65.25%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,957, experienced hygienists can earn up to $75,945.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,339
2025 BLS Actual
$44,736
2026 Current Est.
$45,957
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Liberal (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,339 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,704 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,927 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,604 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,452 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,480 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,736 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,957 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,212 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Liberal, KS grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,339 in 2019 to $44,736 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,212. New graduates entering the Liberal job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Liberal 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 Liberal
In Liberal, most employers seeking to hire new grad physical therapist assistants are typically outpatient clinics, which regularly recruit entry-level candidates. Additionally, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continue to hire, despite ongoing reimbursement challenges imposed by recent Medicare cuts. However, home health agencies often prefer applicants with some clinic experience, which can be a barrier for newly licensed professionals. Credentials such as an Associate's degree from CAPTE-accredited programs, passing the NPTAE national exam, obtaining a state PTA license, and maintaining BLS certification are crucial for establishing a solid foundation. Graduates looking to enhance their earning potential may consider pursuing advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA. Realistically, new PTAs in this market can expect gradual salary increases in the first few years, with important factors such as supervision under a licensed PT and the impact of reimbursement policy changes playing critical roles in their career growth.
More salary data for Liberal, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Liberal in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Liberal?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Liberal?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Liberal?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Kansas?
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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
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 Liberal. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Liberal 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