Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Derby, KS: $62,966 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Derby, KS earns a median $62,966/year (≈ $30.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Derby's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $69,270 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in Derby, Kansas can expect a median annual salary of $62,966, which reflects a local market adjustment compared to the national median of $70,247. With salaries ranging from $44,694 at the 10th percentile to $79,731 at the 90th percentile, PTAs in Derby have a solid income potential influenced by experience and the type of facility in which they work. The figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments, highlighting Derby's unique economic landscape. Those pursuing a PTA-to-DPT pathway may find that higher education enhances their earning trajectory over their careers, ensuring competitive compensation within a market that continues to evolve.
About the Derby Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,694 | $21.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,981 | $26.43 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,966 | $30.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,496 | $34.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79,731 | $38.33 |
Median Salary Position
10.36% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Derby
In Derby, KS, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,037 (2026 est.). At $62,966, the local median is 10.36% below the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Derby: You'd be above the median
How Derby Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Derby median: $62,966/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Derby Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $63,860 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -10.36% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Derby, KS earn a median of $62,966 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.36% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.40% below the Kansas state average of $63,860.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Derby has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Derby, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $62,966 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $69,270 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,697
2025 BLS Actual
$61,293
2026 Current Est.
$62,966
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Derby (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,697 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,575 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,839 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,264 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,439 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,782 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,293 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,966 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,685 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Derby metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $52,697 (2019) to $61,293 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,685 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,988 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Derby 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $44,694 – $54,981 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,981 – $62,966 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,966 – $71,496 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,496 – $79,731 |
PTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Assistant Job Market in Derby
With only four physical therapist assistants currently employed in Derby, the local job market remains limited yet stable. The cost of living index in Derby stands at 90.9, reflecting a lower than average living expense, which can positively impact the overall purchasing power of residents. Employers such as outpatient orthopedic clinics generally provide higher pay compared to skilled nursing facilities, which have been affected by the 15% Medicare cut on PTA services. This disparity arises from productivity expectations and varying supervisory demands across different settings. For those starting out or looking to maximize their pay, seeking opportunities in outpatient clinics or home health agencies may prove beneficial, as these environments often reward higher productivity levels with better compensation packages in Derby, KS.
More salary data for Derby, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Derby, KS in 2026?
Is Derby, KS a good place to work as a physical therapist assistant?
Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Derby?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Derby?
How much does a physical therapist assistant make per hour in Derby?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $61,293 for physical therapist assistantsin the Derby metropolitan area. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Derby 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