Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Emporia, KS: $58,950 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Emporia, KS earns a median $58,950/year (≈ $28.34/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Emporia's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $64,851 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.7% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the physical therapist assistant salary in Emporia is projected to reach $58,950 annually. For those entering this field, the pay range is notable, stretching from $44,736 at the lower end (P10) to $73,914 at the higher end (P90). These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local costs, reflect significant changes in the job market due to structural shifts following recent Medicare cuts. The division between outpatient services and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) has notably influenced the salaries, leading to adjustments in compensation as demand for PTAs varies significantly across different settings. Understanding these dynamics can be crucial for both new graduates and current professionals in Emporia seeking to enhance their earnings potential in this competitive landscape.
About the Emporia Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,736 | $21.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,421 | $25.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,950 | $28.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,044 | $32.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73,914 | $35.53 |
Median Salary Position
16.08% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Emporia
In Emporia, KS, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,178 (2026 est.). At $58,950, the local median is 16.08% below the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Emporia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Emporia Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Emporia median: $58,950/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Emporia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $63,867 | -7.70% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -16.08% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Emporia, KS earn a median of $58,950 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.08% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 7.70% below the Kansas state average of $63,867.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Emporia 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.
Emporia, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $58,950 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,851 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,335
2025 BLS Actual
$57,383
2026 Current Est.
$58,950
2019–2027 Growth
+22.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Emporia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,335 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,158 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,341 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,675 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,775 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,351 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,383 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,950 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,559 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Emporia metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $49,335 (2019) to $57,383 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,559 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,224 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Emporia 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) | $44,736 – $53,421 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,421 – $58,950 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,950 – $67,044 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,044 – $73,914 |
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 Emporia
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The job market for physical therapist assistants in Emporia, KS, consists of a small but dedicated workforce, currently employing just five individuals in the field. With a cost-of-living index of 90.9, PTAs in Emporia have a comparatively lower living expense, impacting their take-home purchasing power. The most lucrative positions are found in outpatient orthopedic clinics and hospital inpatient rehab facilities, often paying more than their counterparts in skilled nursing facilities or home health agencies. Following the 15% reimbursement cut instituted by Medicare, job roles have shifted, leading facilities to adjust pay scales based on setting. In this context, maximizing salary potential hinges on choosing high-demand locations such as hospitals, embracing weekend or PRN shifts for added premiums, and maintaining solid relationships with supervising therapists. With ongoing growth projected at 2.73%, understanding these trends can lead to strategic career advancements for PTAs in Emporia.
More salary data for Emporia, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Emporia, KS in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Emporia?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Emporia?
How much does a physical therapist assistant make per hour in Emporia?
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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 $57,383 for physical therapist assistantsin the Emporia 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 Emporia 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