Columbia vs Kansas City: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Columbia, MO and Kansas City, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, MO | Kansas City, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,370 | $103,761▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.05 | $49.89▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,943 | $77,019▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,855 | $83,003▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $111,763 | $114,386▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $123,802 | $128,884▲ |
| Total Employed | 280 | 2,010▲ |
Verdict
Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Kansas City is $18,391 (21.54%). Kansas City's median is -1.45% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $47,859,Kansas City spans $51,865. Kansas City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kansas City ($112,122 effective) pays 17.46% more than Columbia ($95,452 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,761/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,884)
- ✓Larger job market (2,010 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,122)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Columbia grew 6.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.6% growth in Kansas City over the same period.
Columbia, MO
$78,350 (2019) → $83,320 (2025)
Kansas City, MO
$84,640 (2019) → $101,270 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, MO
Kansas City, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Columbia or Kansas City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Kansas City?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Kansas City as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Columbia vs Kansas City?
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Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov