Hays vs Olathe: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Hays, KS and Olathe, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hays, KS | Olathe, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,608 | $96,034▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.08 | $46.17▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,020▲ | $73,804 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,388 | $81,384▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $103,866 | $111,884▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,141 | $130,160▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 33▲ |
Verdict
Olathe, KS offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hays.
The salary gap between Hays and Olathe is $6,426 (7.17%). Olathe's median is -8.79% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hays spans $37,121,Olathe spans $56,356. Olathe 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, Olathe ($105,648 effective) pays 7.17% more than Hays ($98,579 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hays if…
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Olathe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($96,034/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($130,160)
- ✓Larger job market (33 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,648)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Hays grew 16.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.8% growth in Olathe over the same period.
Hays, KS
$74,895 (2024) → $87,457 (2025)
Olathe, KS
$80,265 (2024) → $93,728 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Hays or Olathe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hays and Olathe?
Should I relocate from Hays to Olathe as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Hays vs Olathe?
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