Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Hays, KS: $59,785 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Hays, KS earns a median $59,785/year (≈ $28.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Hays's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $65,770 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.4% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hays, Kansas, physical therapist assistants can expect a median annual salary of $59,785 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the nationwide median of $70,247, illustrating a disparity in compensation levels. The salary range for PTAs in the area spans from $46,721 at the 10th percentile to $74,476 at the 90th percentile, indicating a variety of earning potential based on experience, qualifications, and specific settings. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and adjusted for regional cost-of-living factors. The job market for PTAs in Hays reflects the local economy's dynamics, indicating a steady demand within healthcare facilities, suggesting a possible uptick in future opportunities for those entering the profession.
About the Hays Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,721 | $22.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,208 | $26.55 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,785 | $28.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,649 | $32.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74,476 | $35.80 |
Median Salary Position
14.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hays
In Hays, KS, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,755 (2026 est.). At $59,785, the local median is 14.89% below the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hays: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hays Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Hays median: $59,785/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hays Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $63,873 | -6.40% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -14.89% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Hays, KS earn a median of $59,785 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.89% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 6.40% below the Kansas state average of $63,873.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hays 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.
Hays, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $59,785 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,770 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,034
2025 BLS Actual
$58,196
2026 Current Est.
$59,785
2019–2027 Growth
+22.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Hays (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,034 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,868 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,068 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,422 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,536 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,065 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,196 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,785 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,417 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hays metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $50,034 (2019) to $58,196 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,417 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,383 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hays 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) | $46,721 – $55,208 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,208 – $59,785 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,785 – $67,649 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,649 – $74,476 |
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 Hays
In this region, only five physical therapist assistants are currently employed, indicating a relatively tight job market. Hays's cost of living index stands at 90.9, which is below the national average and suggests that the purchasing power for PTAs can be favorable despite the lower salary figures. Among employers, outpatient orthopedic clinics might offer the most competitive pay, especially as they often generate higher reimbursement rates than skilled nursing facilities or home health agencies. Factors driving disparities in compensation include expectations of productivity and reimbursement challenges, particularly following the 15% Medicare cut to PTA services, which has impacted earnings in heavily reliant settings like SNFs. To maximize pay in Hays, PTAs should consider working in outpatient settings or pursuing credentials that align with the PTA-to-DPT bridge, enhancing their qualifications and opening avenues for higher income opportunities.
More salary data for Hays, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $58,196 for physical therapist assistantsin the Hays 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 Hays 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