Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Emporia, KS: $73,914 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Emporia, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $73,914/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Emporia's price premium (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $81,314 in average-cost America. The 25% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, senior physical therapist assistants in Emporia, Kansas, stand to earn significantly above the median, with top earners attaining a potential annual salary of $73,914. This P90 figure reflects strong compensation opportunities for those with substantial experience and expertise, particularly in specialized areas. The difference between the median salary of $58,950 and the upper echelon of $73,914 illustrates the experience premium that seasoned professionals can command in this market. Achieving top-tier pay typically requires not only years of accumulated experience—specifically over seven years—but also advanced credentials and skill sets that set these professionals apart, making them attractive to employers seeking highly-qualified PTAs.
About the Emporia Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Emporia
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Emporia earn between $67,044 and $73,914 per year (2026 est.). This $29,178 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Emporia median of $58,950 sits 16.08% below the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Emporia | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $58,950 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,044 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $73,914 | $91,954 |
In Emporia, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 25.38% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Emporia
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $58,950 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Emporia employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Emporia command premium compensation, often reaching the $67,044–$73,914 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Emporia metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced physical therapist assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured physical therapist assistants in Emporia with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Physical Therapist Assistants in Kansas who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Physical Therapist Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Emporia
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedEmporia ranks #22 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $73,914).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Emporia ($73,914) is 7.8% below the Kansas average P90 ($80,166).
2019 BLS Actual
$64,981
2025 BLS Actual
$71,950
2026 Current Est.
$73,914
2019–2027 Growth
+16.9%
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 | $64,981 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,291 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,442 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,510 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,403 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,489 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,950 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,914 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,932 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Emporia saw their compensation grow 10.7% from $64,981 in 2019 to $71,950 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.73% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $75,932 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Physical Therapist Assistant Earnings in Emporia
A variety of specializations can lead to premium compensation for experienced physical therapist assistants in Emporia. Roles in orthopedics, geriatrics, pediatrics, and sports medicine often yield higher salaries, particularly in settings that rely heavily on skilled care, such as outpatient orthopedic clinics and skilled nursing facilities (SNF). At the senior level, compensation can fluctuate based on the type of employer; for instance, outpatient clinics may offer higher pay compared to hospital inpatient rehab settings due to differences in funding and Medicare reimbursement rates. Additionally, pursuing advanced education through PTA-to-DPT bridge programs or obtaining advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can enhance career prospects. As senior PTAs move into leadership roles—such as lead PTA or even teaching positions within PTA programs—they may find additional salary increases. However, it's essential to consider non-salary compensation drivers, including adjustments for weekend shifts, the impact of the 15% cut in Medicare reimbursements for PTA services, and varying productivity expectations based on the operational demands of different care settings in KS.
More salary data for Emporia, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Emporia in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Emporia?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Emporia?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Emporia?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time 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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $71,950 for physical therapist assistants in the Emporia metro area. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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