Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Derby, KS: $72,086 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Derby, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $72,086 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Derby's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $79,303 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($94,377) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the physical therapy profession in Derby, Kansas, can expect a starting salary of around $72,086 in 2026. Although this entry-level figure is significantly lower than the city median of $94,377, it represents a common threshold for fresh graduates adjusting to the workforce. Over the first few years, physical therapists can anticipate gradual salary growth, moving from the 10th percentile to the 25th percentile at $78,924, and potentially approaching the median as they gain experience. With the annual growth rate projected at 2.46%, Derby presents a reasonably positive market for new physical therapists, especially given the cost of living index of 90.9, which is below the national average.
About the Derby Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Derby
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Derby
Entry-level physical therapists in Derby, KS typically start between $72,086 and $78,924 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,977 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $94,377 — 10.36% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Kansas of $90,000 represents just 124.85% of the starting physical therapist pay ($72,086/year) in Derby. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. Tuition varies substantially between public in-state DPT programs and private institutions; most programs require a prerequisite bachelor's degree.
PT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Derby
- 1Research the Derby market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $72,086 to $78,924, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Derby, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Derby for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Derby's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Compensation Range
The physical therapist wage spread in Derby is $47,977 ( 66.56%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $72,086, experienced hygienists can earn up to $120,063.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$56,656
2025 BLS Actual
$70,355
2026 Current Est.
$72,086
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Derby (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,656 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,942 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,483 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,937 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,904 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,111 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,355 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,086 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,859 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Derby, KS grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $56,656 in 2019 to $70,355 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $73,859. New graduates entering the Derby job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Derby 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 2.46% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Derby
Employers in Derby are receptive to new graduates, typically onboarding them at outpatient orthopedic facilities that often focus on productivity-based compensation models. Notable companies like ATI and Select Medical offer structured onboarding programs that can also include productivity bonuses, setting the stage for salary increases as therapists become more efficient. Alternatively, hospital systems may provide residency programs that lead to board certifications, further enhancing earning potential. For those looking to elevate their starting pay, pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTE national exam, and obtaining a state PT license are essential steps. Additionally, specialization through further education can result in higher salary brackets. New physical therapists should strategically approach their careers in the first few years by networking through APTA and focusing on employers that align with their salary and growth expectations.
More salary data for Derby, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Derby in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Derby?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Derby?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Derby?
How do I become a physical therapist in Kansas?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Derby. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Derby is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.46%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapists (SOC 29-1123).
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov