Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Prairie Village, KS: $46,966 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Prairie Village, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,966 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Prairie Village's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,668 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($59,962) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field in Prairie Village, KS, the entry-level physical therapist assistant salary is projected to start at around $46,966 in 2026. This figure indicates a modest starting point when compared to the median annual salary for physical therapist assistants in the city, which is estimated at $59,962. New grads can expect to progress gradually over the first few years in their careers, with opportunities to increase their earnings to approximately $55,591 at the 25th percentile. Considering the growth trajectory, Prairie Village appears to present a viable market for fresh PTA graduates, offering potential for growth as they gain experience and develop expertise.
About the Prairie Village Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Prairie Village
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 Prairie Village
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Prairie Village, KS typically start between $46,966 and $55,591 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $28,209 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $59,962 — 14.64% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Kansas of $13,000 represents just 27.68% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($46,966/year) in Prairie Village. 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 Prairie Village
- 1Research the Prairie Village market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $46,966 to $55,591, 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 Prairie Village, 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 Prairie Village for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Prairie Village'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 Prairie Village is $28,209 ( 60.06%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,966, experienced hygienists can earn up to $75,175.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,027
2025 BLS Actual
$45,718
2026 Current Est.
$46,966
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Prairie Village (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,027 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,400 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,694 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,496 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,318 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,343 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,718 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,966 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,248 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Prairie Village, KS grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,027 in 2019 to $45,718 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,248. New graduates entering the Prairie Village job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Prairie Village 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 Prairie Village
In Prairie Village, various employers actively seek out newly graduated physical therapist assistants. Outpatient rehabilitation centers typically hire the majority of new PTA grads, while skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continue to recruit despite recent reimbursement challenges due to the 15% cut in services covered by Medicare. In contrast, home health agencies often prefer candidates with some clinical experience. To enhance starting pay in Kansas, it's beneficial for new PTAs to obtain credentials, including an associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program and passing the NPTAE exam. Given the current market, new PTAs may see realistic salary growth in their first few years, particularly if they stay informed about compensation trends, as they typically work under the supervision of licensed physical therapists. Additionally, pursuing advanced proficiency credentials through APTA can signal commitment and expertise, further boosting their marketability in the evolving landscape of physical therapy.
More salary data for Prairie Village, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Prairie Village in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Prairie Village?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Prairie Village?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Prairie Village?
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 Prairie Village. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Prairie Village 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