Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Kirkwood, MO: $62,694 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Kirkwood, MO earns a median $62,694/year (≈ $30.14/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Kirkwood's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $69,971 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the physical therapist assistant salary in Kirkwood, MO, is projected to be a median of $62,694, which falls below the national median of $70,247 by approximately 10.75%. The salary range for this role runs from $45,105 to $80,097, demonstrating a varying landscape influenced by the particular work settings and the level of experience. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, suggest that opportunities for growth exist as assistant roles serve as vital links to further advancement in the field, such as pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. Kirkwood's unique job market is reflective of both local healthcare facilities' dynamics and the demographic needs of the community.
About the Kirkwood Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,105 | $21.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,190 | $26.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,694 | $30.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,619 | $34.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80,097 | $38.50 |
Median Salary Position
10.75% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kirkwood
In Kirkwood, MO, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,992 (2026 est.). At $62,694, the local median is 10.75% below the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Kirkwood: You'd be above the median
How Kirkwood Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Kirkwood median: $62,694/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kirkwood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $63,200 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -10.75% less |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kirkwood has a cost of living 10.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kirkwood, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $62,694 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $69,971 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,469
2025 BLS Actual
$61,028
2026 Current Est.
$62,694
2019–2027 Growth
+22.8%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,469 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,344 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,602 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,021 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,190 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,317 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,028 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,694 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,406 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kirkwood metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $52,469 (2019) to $61,028 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,406 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,937 (22.75%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $45,105 – $55,190 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,190 – $62,694 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,694 – $71,619 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,619 – $80,097 |
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 Kirkwood
The job market for physical therapist assistants in Kirkwood is relatively small, with only five professionals currently employed in the area. The local cost of living index sits at 89.6, which means that while salaries may be lower than the national average, the overall purchasing power remains more favorable for residents. Outpatient orthopedic clinics generally offer higher pay compared to skilled nursing facilities, which have been impacted by the 15% Medicare cut to PTA services. Variances in pay can be further affected by factors such as productivity demands and supervisory requirements. To maximize earning potential in Kirkwood, PTAs may consider specializing in settings that offer premiums for weekend or PRN shifts, or they may pursue supervisory roles that align with their career aspirations within the ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Kirkwood, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K 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
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 $61,028 for physical therapist assistantsin the Kirkwood 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 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