Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Salina, KS: $47,012 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Salina, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,012 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Salina's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,718 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($61,787) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates embarking on a career as physical therapist assistants in Salina, Kansas, can expect a starting salary of approximately $47,012. This entry-level pay is notably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $61,787, highlighting a substantial gap that new PTAs will need to navigate during their early careers. However, the potential for salary growth exists, with entry-level professionals moving toward the $56,282 mark in just a few years as they gain experience. The job market in Salina is favorable for new graduates, particularly given the projected annual growth rate of 2.73% for this profession, suggesting a steady demand for skilled PTAs in this region.
About the Salina Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Salina
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 Salina
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Salina, KS typically start between $47,012 and $56,282 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $28,943 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $61,787 — 12.04% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Kansas of $13,000 represents just 27.65% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($47,012/year) in Salina. 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 Salina
- 1Research the Salina market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $47,012 to $56,282, 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 Salina, 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 Salina for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Salina'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 Salina is $28,943 ( 61.57%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,012, experienced hygienists can earn up to $75,955.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,058
2025 BLS Actual
$45,763
2026 Current Est.
$47,012
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Salina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,058 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,432 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,729 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,537 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,358 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,383 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,763 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,012 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,296 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Salina, KS grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,058 in 2019 to $45,763 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,296. New graduates entering the Salina job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salina 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 Salina
Career opportunities for entry-level physical therapist assistants are primarily found in outpatient clinics, which tend to hire most of the new grads in Salina. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) still seek early-career PTAs, although the recent 15% reimbursement cut for PTA services under Medicare may affect pay scales. For new graduates seeking to boost their salaries, obtaining an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTAE national exam, and acquiring state licensure are essential. Continued education and advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can also enhance earning potential and career prospects. During the first three years, realistic salary increases can be expected, but the evolving reimbursement landscape necessitates strategic employment choices and the potential consideration of further education, such as transitioning to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. Overall, the entry-level physical therapist assistant salary in Salina presents both challenges and opportunities for new grads entering this field.
More salary data for Salina, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Salina in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Salina?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Salina?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Salina?
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 Salina. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Salina 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