Jefferson City vs Kansas City: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Jefferson City, MO and Kansas City, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jefferson City, MO | Kansas City, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,483 | $103,761▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.31 | $49.89▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,294 | $77,019▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,298 | $83,003▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $104,028 | $114,386▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $125,309 | $128,884▲ |
| Total Employed | 90 | 2,010▲ |
Verdict
Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Jefferson City.
The salary gap between Jefferson City and Kansas City is $3,278 (3.26%). 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 Jefferson City spans $51,015,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, Jefferson City ($114,218 effective) pays 1.87% more than Kansas City ($112,122 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jefferson City if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,218)
- ✓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)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Jefferson City grew 39.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.6% growth in Kansas City over the same period.
Jefferson City, MO
$70,560 (2019) → $98,070 (2025)
Kansas City, MO
$84,640 (2019) → $101,270 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jefferson City, MO
Kansas City, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Jefferson City or Kansas City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jefferson City and Kansas City?
Should I relocate from Jefferson City to Kansas City as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Jefferson City 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