Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Gardner, KS: $28.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Gardner, KS runs $28.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,214 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Gardner's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,526 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For physical therapist assistants in Gardner, KS, the projected hourly rate is $28.47, which is significantly below the national median of $33.77. This hourly rate means that part-time workers, such as those working three days a week, can earn approximately $1,367 weekly based on a typical 24-hour work schedule. In typical settings, including outpatient clinic gyms, skilled nursing facilities, and pediatric therapy spaces, hourly pay for PTAs in Gardner ranges from $21.82 at entry-level positions to $36.00 for experienced professionals. These figures are based on estimated annual salary data that reflect the demand for skilled support in rehabilitation settings, shedding light on local economic conditions and the competitive nature of this occupation.
About the Gardner Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.82 | $174.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.95 | $207.60 |
| Median (P50) | $28.47 | $227.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.48 | $259.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.00 | $287.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gardner
Based on $28.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.47/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gardner, KS can expect to earn approximately $59,210 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,160. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gardner.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gardner
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,138.66 | $4,934 | $59,210 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $683.20 | $2,961 | $35,526 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $455.46 | $1,974 | $23,684 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Gardner) | $28.47 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Massage Therapist (National Avg) | $27.10 |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Gardner, KS earn a median of $59,214 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.71% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 7.30% below the Kansas state average of $63,877.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.47/hr = $35,526/year (purchasing power: $39,083).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,210/year (purchasing power: $65,138).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Gardner (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Gardner grew 16.3% from $23.82/hr (2019) to $27.71/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.24/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapist assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gardner 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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist Assistant in Gardner
When considering different employment types, part-time physical therapist assistants in Gardner may find their annual earnings less than their full-time counterparts. For instance, PTAs on a three-day work schedule may earn around $35,964 annually, which presents a different financial picture than full-time roles. For those seeking per-diem work, the rates can vary widely; per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Gardner typically ranges from $32 to $48 per hour, while travel contracts can yield earnings of $1,200 to $1,800 per week. However, many skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) have seen lower agency rates due to the 15% Medicare cut implemented in 2022, impacting overall compensation in heavily Medicare-dependent environments. Physical therapist assistants working in Gardner should weigh the benefits of health insurance against higher hourly rates typically available in outpatient settings. Furthermore, effective negotiation strategies can help PTAs secure better hourly rates in this competitive job market, particularly by showcasing their skills and experience in diverse therapeutic environments.
More salary data for Gardner, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapist assistants in Gardner. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Gardner 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