Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Topeka, KS: $52,567 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Topeka, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,567 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Topeka's local price level (BEA RPP 88.8 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,184 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($66,004) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates considering a career as a physical therapist assistant in Topeka, Kansas, can expect an entry-level salary around $52,567 in 2026. While this starting pay may seem modest compared to the projected median annual salary of $66,004 for the city, it represents a solid foundation for newly minted professionals. Over the first three to five years, growth opportunities could lead to earnings of about $60,323 as they gain experience. Topeka presents a favorable market for entry-level PTAs, offering competitive salaries that position new graduates for future financial growth while operating within a city that remains slightly below the national median of $70,247.
Career Earnings Timeline in Topeka
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 Topeka
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Topeka, KS typically start between $52,567 and $60,323 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $24,378 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $66,004 — 6.04% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Kansas of $13,000 represents just 24.73% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($52,567/year) in Topeka. 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 Topeka
- 1Research the Topeka market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $52,567 to $60,323, 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 Topeka, 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 Topeka for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Topeka'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 Topeka is $24,378 ( 46.38%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,567, experienced hygienists can earn up to $76,945.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$44,350
2025 BLS Actual
$51,170
2026 Current Est.
$52,567
2019–2027 Growth
+21.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Topeka (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,350 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,650 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,040 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,200 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,530 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,780 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,170 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,567 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,002 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Topeka, KS grew 15.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $44,350 in 2019 to $51,170 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $54,002. New graduates entering the Topeka job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Topeka 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 Topeka
Employers in Topeka play a significant role in the hiring of new physical therapist assistant graduates, particularly outpatient rehabilitation centers which typically welcome newly certified PTAs. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) still recruit despite the challenges brought on by Medicare reimbursement cuts, even though they may prefer candidates with some clinic experience. To boost their starting pay in Kansas, new graduates should secure their Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, pass the NPTAE national exam, and obtain a state PTA license. Continuing education and advanced proficiency credentials through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) can further enhance their professional standing. In the first few years, PTAs should be strategic in their career development, knowing they operate under the supervision of a licensed PT and should be aware of the financial implications stemming from recent cuts to Medicare. Realistic salary progression during this early stage can see new graduates moving closer to the city median as they build their skills and reputation within the healthcare environment.
More salary data for Topeka, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is physical therapy school worth it in Topeka?
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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 Topeka. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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