Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Manhattan, KS: $29.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Manhattan, KS runs $29.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,854 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Manhattan's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.2, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,116 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Manhattan, Kansas, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to be $29.74 in 2026, which is somewhat below the national median of $33.77. This hourly rate provides a solid income for those working part-time or in per-diem roles, which are common in various settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health, and pediatric therapy environments. Those entering the field can expect an hourly range starting at $25.95 for entry-level positions, while experienced physical therapist assistants can earn up to $39.94, reflecting their skills and specific work environments. Official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data highlights these figures, offering a realistic perspective for aspiring PTAs looking to establish their careers in the physical therapy landscape of Manhattan.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.95 | $207.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.75 | $230.03 |
| Median (P50) | $29.74 | $237.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.96 | $287.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.94 | $319.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Manhattan
Based on $29.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.74/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Manhattan, KS can expect to earn approximately $61,860 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,688. With a cost-of-living index of 90.16 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Manhattan.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Manhattan
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,189.61 | $5,155 | $61,860 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $713.77 | $3,093 | $37,116 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $475.85 | $2,062 | $24,744 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Manhattan) | $29.74 |
| 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 Manhattan, KS earn a median of $61,854 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.95% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 3.10% below the Kansas state average of $63,833.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.74/hr = $37,116/year (purchasing power: $41,166).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,860/year (purchasing power: $68,610).
CoL index: 90.162 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Manhattan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Manhattan grew 16.3% from $24.89/hr (2019) to $28.95/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.55/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 Manhattan 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 Manhattan
Exploring the earning potential for physical therapist assistants working part-time, a typical 3-day work week totaling 24 hours would yield around $41,000 annually. In contrast, full-time employment can significantly enhance earnings with a consistent schedule. Many PTAs opt for per-diem or agency positions, where they can charge rates between $32 and $48, providing flexibility but varying income stability. For those in skilled nursing facilities, the recent 15% Medicare cut has pressured pay rates, leading to lower agency premiums. Hourly wages can fluctuate greatly based on the employer—outpatient clinics may offer higher pay compared to inpatient settings, yet might lack benefits like health insurance, prompting some to accept lower rates for job security and health coverage. When negotiating hourly rates, it's wise to come prepared with market data and be open to discussing benefits with potential employers in Manhattan, ensuring a fair and competitive compensation package.
More salary data for Manhattan, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Manhattan in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Manhattan?
Are physical therapist assistants in Manhattan paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Manhattan?
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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 Manhattan. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-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