Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Manhattan, KS: $83,078 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Manhattan, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $83,078/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Manhattan's price premium (BEA RPP 90.2, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $92,143 in average-cost America. The 34% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Manhattan, Kansas, seasoned physical therapist assistants who have over seven years of experience can command impressive salaries reflecting their expertise. In 2026, the top physical therapist assistant salary in Manhattan is projected to reach $83,078, while the 75th percentile earns around $74,787. This significant earning potential suggests a considerable experience premium, with the median annual salary for the profession set at $61,854. Those aspiring to join the top tier of earners typically focus on specializations or advanced credentials that elevate their marketability. To attain these higher salary brackets, professionals often pursue leadership roles or advanced training, illustrating the connection between expertise and compensation in this field.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manhattan
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Manhattan earn between $74,787 and $83,078 per year (2026 est.). This $29,104 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Manhattan median of $61,854 sits 11.95% below the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Manhattan | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $61,854 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,787 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $83,078 | $91,954 |
In Manhattan, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 34.31% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Manhattan
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $61,854 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Manhattan employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Manhattan command premium compensation, often reaching the $74,787–$83,078 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Manhattan 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 Manhattan 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 Manhattan
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedManhattan ranks #5 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $83,078).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Manhattan ($83,078) is 3.63% above the Kansas average P90 ($80,166).
2019 BLS Actual
$73,037
2025 BLS Actual
$80,870
2026 Current Est.
$83,078
2019–2027 Growth
+16.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Manhattan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $73,037 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,510 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,432 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,800 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,060 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,320 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,870 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,078 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,346 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Manhattan saw their compensation grow 10.7% from $73,037 in 2019 to $80,870 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 $85,346 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manhattan 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 Manhattan
Compensation structures vary significantly depending on the setting in which one practices. Specializations in orthopedic, geriatric rehabilitation, pediatric care, sports medicine, and home health tend to command higher salaries. Senior physical therapist assistants working in outpatient orthopedic clinics often receive more competitive pay compared to those in skilled nursing facilities, which have been impacted by Medicare's 15% reimbursement cut. Career advancement opportunities are available as well; experienced professionals can move into roles such as lead PTA, clinic operations supervisor, or even PTA program faculty. Obtaining an associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, successfully completing the NPTAE national exam, and maintaining a state PTA license are essential for such advancement. Non-salary compensation factors, such as the work environment and productivity expectations, also play a critical role in determining overall job satisfaction and financial remuneration in Manhattan's physical therapy landscape.
More salary data for Manhattan, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Manhattan in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Manhattan?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Manhattan?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Manhattan?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Manhattan?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Kansas
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 $80,870 for physical therapist assistants in the Manhattan 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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