Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Lee's Summit, MO: $43,751 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Lee's Summit, MO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,751 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lee's Summit's local price level (BEA RPP 89.6 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,829 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,659) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the entry-level physical therapist assistant salary in Lee's Summit, Missouri, begins at approximately $43,751. While this may seem modest compared to the city median annual salary of $62,659, it's essential for new graduates to recognize the potential for growth in this field. Early career professionals can expect progression through salary percentiles, moving from the starting pay to about $54,457 at the 25th percentile and aiming toward the median as they gain experience. With an annual growth rate of 2.73%, new PTAs can forge a promising career pathway in Lee's Summit, an area that remains a viable job market for those entering the profession.
About the Lee's Summit Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lee's Summit
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 Lee's Summit
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Lee's Summit, MO typically start between $43,751 and $54,457 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $41,572 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,659 — 10.8% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Missouri of $16,000 represents just 36.57% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($43,751/year) in Lee's Summit. 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 Lee's Summit
- 1Research the Lee's Summit market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $43,751 to $54,457, 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 MO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lee's Summit, 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 Lee's Summit for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lee's Summit'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 Lee's Summit is $41,572 ( 95.02%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,751, experienced hygienists can earn up to $85,323.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,834
2025 BLS Actual
$42,588
2026 Current Est.
$43,751
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Lee's Summit (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,834 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,182 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,250 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,655 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,558 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,426 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,588 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,751 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,945 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Lee's Summit, MO grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,834 in 2019 to $42,588 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $44,945. New graduates entering the Lee's Summit job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lee's Summit 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 Lee's Summit
The hiring landscape for new physical therapist assistants in Lee's Summit predominantly features outpatient clinics, which tend to offer the most opportunities for fresh graduates. Skilled nursing facilities are also actively recruiting, despite facing challenges from recent reimbursement cuts that have impacted salaries. To enhance starting salaries, recent graduates should focus on acquiring credentials that are in demand, including the completion of a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passing the NPTAE national exam, and obtaining a state PTA license. Additionally, seeking advanced proficiency credentials through organizations like APTA can further boost earnings potential. In the first few years, PTAs should aim to gain varied clinical experience, as many home health agencies prefer candidates with 1-2 years of practice. Given the competitive nature of the field after the 15% cuts in Medicare reimbursement for PTA services, a well-rounded strategy and skill development are crucial for navigating early career salary expectations effectively.
More salary data for Lee's Summit, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Lee's Summit in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Lee's Summit?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Lee's Summit?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Lee's Summit?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Missouri?
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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 Lee's Summit. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lee's Summit 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