Kansas City vs Liberty: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Kansas City, MO and Liberty, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kansas City, MO | Liberty, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,761▲ | $100,700 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.89▲ | $48.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,019▲ | $76,383 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,003 | $84,133▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $114,386 | $114,913▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,884▲ | $124,417 |
| Total Employed | 2,010▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Liberty.
The salary gap between Kansas City and Liberty is $3,061 (3.04%). 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 Kansas City spans $51,865,Liberty spans $48,034. Kansas City has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Liberty ($112,388 effective) pays 0.24% 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 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
Choose Liberty if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,388)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Kansas City grew 19.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.5% growth in Liberty over the same period.
Kansas City, MO
$84,640 (2019) → $101,270 (2025)
Liberty, MO
$77,703 (2024) → $98,282 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kansas City, MO
Liberty, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Kansas City or Liberty?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kansas City and Liberty?
Should I relocate from Kansas City to Liberty as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Kansas City vs Liberty?
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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