Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Olathe, KS: $30.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Olathe, KS runs $30.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,072 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Olathe's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,449 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Olathe, Kansas, physical therapist assistants earn a median hourly pay of $30.81, which is slightly below the national median of $33.77. For those looking to work part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly rate provides a decent income while still allowing for flexibility. The hourly range varies from $22.09 for entry-level positions to $41.55 for experienced professionals, making this a viable option for individuals exploring per-diem opportunities. These roles are common in various settings, including outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and pediatric therapy spaces. The pay reflects estimates derived from annual salary data, allowing potential employees to gauge their earnings based on the demand for physical therapy services in the Olathe area.
About the Olathe 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) | $22.09 | $176.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.21 | $217.71 |
| Median (P50) | $30.81 | $246.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.00 | $280.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.55 | $332.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Olathe
Based on $30.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.81/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Olathe, KS can expect to earn approximately $64,082 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,970. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Olathe.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Olathe
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,232.35 | $5,340 | $64,082 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $739.41 | $3,204 | $38,449 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $492.94 | $2,136 | $25,633 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Olathe) | $30.81 |
| 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 Olathe, KS earn a median of $64,072 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.79% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 0.30% above the Kansas state average of $63,880.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.81/hr = $38,449/year (purchasing power: $42,298).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,082/year (purchasing power: $70,497).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Olathe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Olathe grew 16.3% from $25.78/hr (2019) to $29.99/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.65/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 Olathe 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 Olathe
Considering the financial landscape, part-time physical therapist assistants working 24 hours per week can expect a take-home pay that differs from full-timers. It’s essential to calculate potential earnings to determine financial sustainability. Per-diem assignments offer a different dynamic, with billing rates hovering between $32 and $48 per hour; travel PTA contracts can yield substantial weekly earnings ranging from $1,200 to $1,800. However, compensation at skilled nursing facilities has been impacted by the 15% Medicare cut, making hourly rates less attractive in these settings. Hourly pay also varies significantly across employer types in Olathe. While outpatient clinics may provide competitive rates, service-oriented settings like hospitals or schools often weigh hourly compensation against benefits like health insurance. Negotiating for pay can be influenced by these factors, so it's wise for PTAs to explore and weigh their options carefully before committing.
More salary data for Olathe, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Olathe in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Olathe?
Are physical therapist assistants in Olathe paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Olathe?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Olathe?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Kansas
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 Olathe. 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 Olathe 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