Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Liberal, KS: $42.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Liberal, KS runs $42.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,263 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Liberal's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,552 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Liberal, Kansas, the projected median hourly pay for physical therapists is $42.91, which is significantly lower than the national median of $50.62. This disparity may affect both full-time and part-time professionals considering how their earnings correspond with the diverse work environments available in the area. For those working three days a week in outpatient clinics, hospitals, or skilled nursing facilities, this hourly rate translates to a stable income, allowing flexibility while also catering to a work-life balance. The hourly range spans from $35.51 for entry-level positions to $54.97 for those at the top of their field, highlighting the potential for growth in this profession in Liberal.
About the Liberal 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) | $35.51 | $284.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.82 | $302.54 |
| Median (P50) | $42.91 | $343.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.93 | $383.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.97 | $439.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Liberal
Based on $42.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.91/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Liberal, KS can expect to earn approximately $89,253 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,492. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Liberal.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Liberal
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,716.41 | $7,438 | $89,253 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,029.85 | $4,463 | $53,552 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $686.56 | $2,975 | $35,701 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Liberal) | $42.91 |
| 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 Liberal, KS earn a median of $89,263 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.22% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 6.70% below the Kansas state average of $95,673.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.91/hr = $53,552/year (purchasing power: $58,913).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,253/year (purchasing power: $98,188).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Liberal (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Liberal grew 14.9% from $36.45/hr (2019) to $41.88/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.97/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 Liberal 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 Liberal
Part-time physical therapists working 24 hours a week will find their annual income approximately $53,857, substantially less than their full-time counterparts but still viable for those desiring reduced hours. For per diem physical therapists, the pay structure shifts considerably, with rates often between $50-$75 per hour, not accounting for the potential of travel contracts which can yield $1,800-$2,800 weekly. The variety in hourly pay across different employer types in Liberal—ranging from outpatient practices to hospitals—gives therapists options to choose from based on their desired lifestyle and benefits. Some may opt for positions that offer lower hourly rates but include comprehensive health benefits, while others might prioritize higher pay within per diem or agency roles which typically feature less job security. It's crucial for professionals in the area to negotiate effectively, understanding that Liberal’s cost of living, which is below the national average, can impact their final compensation structure.
More salary data for Liberal, 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
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 Liberal. 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 Liberal 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