Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Garden City, KS: $45.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Garden City, KS runs $45.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,851 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Garden City's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,915 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Garden City, Kansas, the projected median hourly rate for physical therapists is $45.60, notably lower than the national median of $50.62. This differential makes the local market particularly relevant for those considering various work arrangements such as part-time or per-diem positions. A physical therapist part-time working three days a week can expect flexible hours in diverse settings including outpatient clinics and sports performance centers, offering essential care while balancing life responsibilities. Hourly compensation ranges significantly based upon experience; for example, entry-level professionals might start around $35.16, while seasoned therapists can command up to $56.73 per hour. With these estimated figures primarily derived from annual salary data, the hourly landscape in Garden City reflects both local economic conditions and the demand for rehabilitation services.
About the Garden City Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.16 | $281.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.42 | $307.38 |
| Median (P50) | $45.60 | $364.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.36 | $426.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.73 | $453.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Garden City
Based on $45.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.60/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Garden City, KS can expect to earn approximately $94,858 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,726. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Garden City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Garden City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,824.20 | $7,905 | $94,858 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,094.52 | $4,743 | $56,915 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $729.68 | $3,162 | $37,943 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Garden City) | $45.60 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Chiropractor (National Avg) | $36.85 |
| Exercise Physiologist (National Avg) | $26.75 |
Physical Therapists in Garden City, KS earn a median of $94,851 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.91% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 0.90% below the Kansas state average of $95,713.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.60/hr = $56,915/year (purchasing power: $62,613).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,858/year (purchasing power: $104,355).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Garden City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Garden City grew 14.9% from $38.74/hr (2019) to $44.51/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.73/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Garden City 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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist in Garden City
The earning potential for part-time physical therapists operating in Garden City is compelling when set against their full-time peers. A therapist working 24 hours a week could bring home a yearly income well below those clocking 40 hours, leading to a distinct earning trajectory that emphasizes lifestyle over salary. Moreover, per diem physical therapists can take advantage of lucrative contracts, often billing between $50-$75 per hour with travel PT opportunities providing weekly earnings ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, including stipends. Employment settings such as outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offer competitive pay, but those in skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies might encounter reduced rates, balancing higher benefits. While some professionals might accept lower hourly pay for the assurance of health insurance and paid time off, others choose the flexibility offered by higher per diem pay without the same employer commitments. Understanding the overall market dynamics in Garden City can guide negotiations; aspiring physical therapists should inquire about productivity bonuses or additional compensation benefits to achieve an optimal balance between earnings and work conditions.
More salary data for Garden City, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Garden City in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Garden City?
Are physical therapists in Garden City paid hourly or salary?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapists in Garden City. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Garden City 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