Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Topeka, KS: $75,298 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Topeka, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,298 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Topeka's local price level (BEA RPP 88.8 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $84,776 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,970) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the workforce as physical therapists in Topeka, Kansas, the starting physical therapist salary in 2026 is projected to be around $75,298. This figure is significantly below the overall median annual salary for the area, which stands at $99,970. However, early-career professionals can expect a growth trajectory from this entry-level figure as they gain experience and move toward the 25th percentile salary of $88,382 in their first few years. The market for physical therapists in Topeka is currently favorable, especially with a projected annual growth rate of 2.46%, which suggests that new grads can anticipate increased earning potential as they establish their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Topeka
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 Topeka
Entry-level physical therapists in Topeka, KS typically start between $75,298 and $88,382 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $52,470 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,970 — 5.05% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Kansas of $90,000 represents just 119.53% of the starting physical therapist pay ($75,298/year) in Topeka. 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 Topeka
- 1Research the Topeka market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $75,298 to $88,382, 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 Topeka, 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 Topeka for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Topeka'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 Topeka is $52,470 ( 69.68%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,298, experienced hygienists can earn up to $127,768.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$67,370
2025 BLS Actual
$73,490
2026 Current Est.
$75,298
2019–2027 Growth
+14.5%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Topeka (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,370 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,090 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,800 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,580 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,020 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,240 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,490 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,298 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,150 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Topeka, KS grew 9.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $67,370 in 2019 to $73,490 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,150. New graduates entering the Topeka job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Topeka 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 Topeka
In terms of employment opportunities for new graduates, various employers in Topeka are eager to hire. Outpatient orthopedic chains, such as ATI and Athletico, tend to be the primary entry points for recent DPT graduates and offer structured productivity models, although salaries may be lower than those found in hospital systems. These facilities often provide productivity bonuses that can help boost overall compensation. Additionally, hospital systems may offer more robust residency programs leading to board certification, enhancing a new grad’s credentials and pay. With a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program and successful completion of the NPTE, recent graduates can position themselves competitively in the job market. Joining the APTA can help with networking and professional development opportunities. In the first three years, physical therapists can realistically expect gradual salary increases as they refine their skills and potentially qualify for specialized board certifications, ensuring their long-term growth in this profession.
More salary data for Topeka, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Topeka in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Topeka?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Topeka?
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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 Topeka. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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