Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Gardner, KS: $72,962 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Gardner, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $72,962 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Gardner's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,266 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($88,752) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gardner, Kansas, the projected starting physical therapist salary for 2026 is estimated at $72,962, which is a realistic figure for new graduates entering the field. This starting pay is notably lower than the overall city median salary of $88,752, illustrating a gap that early-career therapists will need to bridge as they gain experience. Over the first few years, many will find that salaries can grow steadily from the entry-level mark to approximately $77,584 at the 25th percentile and up toward the median, providing a promising upward trajectory. Given these figures and the local job market, Gardner can present a viable opportunity for new grads, though they should be prepared for a competitive landscape.
About the Gardner Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Gardner
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 Gardner
Entry-level physical therapists in Gardner, KS typically start between $72,962 and $77,584 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $39,776 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $88,752 — 15.71% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Kansas of $90,000 represents just 123.35% of the starting physical therapist pay ($72,962/year) in Gardner. 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 Gardner
- 1Research the Gardner market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $72,962 to $77,584, 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 Gardner, 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 Gardner for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Gardner'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 Gardner is $39,776 ( 54.52%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $72,962, experienced hygienists can earn up to $112,738.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$57,345
2025 BLS Actual
$71,210
2026 Current Est.
$72,962
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Gardner (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,345 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,646 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,169 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,690 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,705 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,877 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,210 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,962 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,757 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Gardner, KS grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $57,345 in 2019 to $71,210 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $74,757. New graduates entering the Gardner job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gardner 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 Gardner
Looking closer at employment options within Gardner, several employers are known to hire newly graduated physical therapists, particularly outpatient orthopedic chains such as ATI, Select Medical, and Athletico. These organizations typically have structured productivity ramps, which can add complexity to achieving desired salary levels. Alternatively, local hospital systems often provide residency programs that can lead to board certification, while skilled nursing facilities like Genesis and RehabCare might offer higher starting pay. To optimize salary prospects, new physical therapists should ensure they have completed a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program accredited by CAPTE, passed the NPTE national exam, and secured their state PT license. For those considering further specialization, pursuing a residency or fellowship can enhance their credentials and salary potential significantly. In the first three years, it is realistic for entry-level professionals to anticipate incremental salary increases through skill development and potential bonuses, particularly in a market like Gardner, where competitive dynamics influence compensation strategies.
More salary data for Gardner, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Gardner. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Gardner 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