Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Kirkwood, MO: $30.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Kirkwood, MO runs $30.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,694 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Kirkwood's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,616 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in Kirkwood, Missouri can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $30.14. This rate positions them below the national median hourly rate of $33.77, indicating a slight pay discrepancy for local PTAs. For part-time workers, like those who might work three days a week, this translates to a realistic income within the range of $21.69 (entry-level) to $38.50 (top earners). PTAs typically work in various healthcare settings, including outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and even home healthcare. With such a wide range of settings, physical therapist assistants have flexibility in their schedules, which can be particularly beneficial for those considering per-diem opportunities.
About the Kirkwood Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.69 | $173.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.54 | $212.28 |
| Median (P50) | $30.14 | $241.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.44 | $275.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.50 | $308.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kirkwood
Based on $30.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.14/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kirkwood, MO can expect to earn approximately $62,693 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,169. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kirkwood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kirkwood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,205.64 | $5,224 | $62,693 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $723.38 | $3,135 | $37,616 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $482.26 | $2,090 | $25,077 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Kirkwood) | $30.14 |
| 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 Kirkwood, MO earn a median of $62,694 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.75% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 0.80% below the Missouri state average of $63,200.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.14/hr = $37,616/year (purchasing power: $41,982).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,693/year (purchasing power: $69,970).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Kirkwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Kirkwood grew 16.3% from $25.23/hr (2019) to $29.34/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.96/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 Kirkwood 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 Kirkwood
For those working part-time, a physical therapist assistant could see an annual take-home pay significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, especially if they maintain a 24-hour weekly schedule. Per diem physical therapist assistants often command rates between $32-$48 per hour, and contracted travel PTAs can earn between $1,200 and $1,800 weekly—though the potential for increased earnings might come with the instability of gig work. Hourly pay varies across different employer types in Kirkwood; for example, outpatient orthopedic clinics generally offer more competitive wages compared to skilled nursing facilities where the recent 15% Medicare cut has compressed pay. Physical therapist assistants should carefully consider their options, as accepting a lower hourly rate for facilities that provide benefits could be advantageous in the long run. Additionally, negotiating directly with potential employers can be beneficial, allowing one to request higher pay in exchange for their qualifications and experience in this demanding field.
More salary data for Kirkwood, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Kirkwood in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Kirkwood?
Are physical therapist assistants in Kirkwood paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Kirkwood?
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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 Kirkwood. 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 Kirkwood 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