Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Lee's Summit, MO: $75,922 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Lee's Summit, MO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,922 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lee's Summit's local price level (BEA RPP 89.6 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $84,734 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($101,286) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates in Lee's Summit, Missouri, can anticipate an entry-level physical therapist salary starting at $75,922. While this figure sits below the local median salary of $101,286, it reflects a typical entry point for those just beginning their careers. Within the first few years, physical therapists may experience salary growth as their experience and skills develop. By progressing to the 25th percentile, which projects a salary of $84,381, it becomes evident that there is potential for upward movement. Given the growth rate of 2.46% annually for the field, Lee's Summit presents a favorable job market for new grads, offering various opportunities in both outpatient settings and hospital systems, thus allowing for a solid start in their professional journey.
About the Lee's Summit Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lee's Summit
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 Lee's Summit
Entry-level physical therapists in Lee's Summit, MO typically start between $75,922 and $84,381 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $62,630 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $101,286 — 3.8% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Missouri of $105,000 represents just 138.30% of the starting physical therapist pay ($75,922/year) in Lee's Summit. 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 Lee's Summit
- 1Research the Lee's Summit market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $75,922 to $84,381, 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 MO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lee's Summit, 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 Lee's Summit for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lee's Summit'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 Lee's Summit is $62,630 ( 82.49%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,922, experienced hygienists can earn up to $138,552.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,671
2025 BLS Actual
$74,099
2026 Current Est.
$75,922
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Lee's Summit (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,671 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,026 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,489 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,233 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,411 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,511 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,099 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,922 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,790 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Lee's Summit, MO grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,671 in 2019 to $74,099 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,790. New graduates entering the Lee's Summit job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lee's Summit 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 Lee's Summit
Various employers in Lee's Summit actively hire new physical therapist graduates, presenting a variety of career paths. Outpatient orthopedic chains, known for structured productivity ramps, often recruit newly licensed DPTs. Hospitals may offer residency programs that lead to board certification, providing additional credentials that can enhance earning potential. Skilled nursing facilities tend to offer higher starting salaries due to the demand for rehabilitation services. Graduates equipped with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from a CAPTE-accredited program, a state PT license, and the NPTE national exam will find themselves well-positioned in the market. Joining the APTA can further benefit their professional development. In the first three years, early-career physical therapists should embrace a structured approach to career growth, focusing on obtaining specialized board certifications such as OCS or SCS, which can significantly impact their salary trajectory in the long run.
More salary data for Lee's Summit, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Lee's Summit in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Lee's Summit?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Lee's Summit?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Lee's Summit?
How do I become a physical therapist in Missouri?
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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 Lee's Summit. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lee's Summit 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