Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Salina, KS: $44.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Salina, KS runs $44.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $92,609 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Salina's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,560 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salina, Kansas, the physical therapist hourly pay is projected to be $44.52 in 2026, reflecting a notable gap when compared to the national median of $50.62. This rate provides a foundation for both part-time positions and per-diem roles, illustrating the earning potential in various clinical settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health scenarios. For part-time therapists working three days a week, earning this median hourly rate translates to a stable income that can support a balanced work-life dynamic. The hourly range in Salina spans from $36.28 for entry-level practitioners to $55.00 for experienced professionals. These figures are based on annual salary estimates and indicate a generally lower financial landscape for physical therapists in Salina relative to national trends.
About the Salina 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) | $36.28 | $290.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.91 | $311.31 |
| Median (P50) | $44.52 | $356.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.80 | $406.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.00 | $440.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salina
Based on $44.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.52/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salina, KS can expect to earn approximately $92,599 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,423. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Salina.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salina
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,780.75 | $7,717 | $92,599 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,068.45 | $4,630 | $55,560 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $712.30 | $3,087 | $37,040 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Salina) | $44.52 |
| 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 Salina, KS earn a median of $92,609 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.04% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 3.20% below the Kansas state average of $95,671.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.52/hr = $55,560/year (purchasing power: $61,122).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $92,599/year (purchasing power: $101,869).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Salina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Salina grew 14.9% from $37.82/hr (2019) to $43.45/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.61/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 Salina 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 Salina
The earning potential for a physical therapist opting for a part-time schedule of approximately 24 hours weekly is significant when contrasted with full-time work. For instance, such part-time work can yield an annual income of around $55,000, which is generally less than what full-time professionals can achieve, but still offers flexibility. On the other hand, per diem physical therapists in Salina can command higher billing rates of $50 to $75 per hour, and travel contracts can offer between $1,800 and $2,800 per week, including potential stipends. Therapist pay varies across different employer types in Salina; outpatient orthopedic clinics might offer lower pay compared to hospital systems, but they often come with productivity bonuses. Furthermore, therapists may choose to accept a lower hourly pay for benefits such as health insurance. For individuals looking to negotiate their hourly rates, emphasizing their specialized skills or past performance can provide leverage, especially in an evolving market influenced by reimbursement changes and a growing trend in cash-pay practices.
More salary data for Salina, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Salina in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Salina?
Are physical therapists in Salina paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Salina?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Salina?
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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 Salina. 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 Salina 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