Physical Therapist Salary in Gardner, KS: $88,752 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Gardner, KS earns a median $88,752/year (≈ $42.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Gardner's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $97,637 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.3% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a physical therapist in Gardner, Kansas, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $88,752, reflecting local market realities and cost adjustments derived from BLS state-level data. The salary ranges from $72,962 at the 10th percentile to $112,738 at the 90th percentile, indicating a competitive pay structure for those in this field. Compared to the national median of $105,288, the compensation in Gardner falls short by approximately 15.71%. The dynamics of pay are influenced by the type of employment as well; outpatient clinics typically pay less than hospital settings, which may be a significant consideration for job seekers in the area. As the job market for physical therapists in Gardner continues to evolve, understanding these earnings insights is essential for career planning.
About the Gardner Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,962 | $35.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $77,584 | $37.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $88,752 | $42.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103,707 | $49.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112,738 | $54.20 |
Median Salary Position
15.71% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gardner
In Gardner, KS, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,776 (2026 est.). At $88,752, the local median is 15.71% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gardner: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Gardner Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Gardner median: $88,752/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gardner Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $95,741 | -7.30% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -15.71% less |
Physical Therapists in Gardner, KS earn a median of $88,752 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.71% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 7.30% below the Kansas state average of $95,741.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gardner has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Gardner, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $88,752 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $97,637 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$75,393
2025 BLS Actual
$86,621
2026 Current Est.
$88,752
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Gardner (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,393 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,716 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,602 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,373 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,050 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,179 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,621 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,752 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,935 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gardner metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $75,393 (2019) to $86,621 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,935 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,542 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gardner 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $72,962 – $77,584 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $77,584 – $88,752 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $88,752 – $103,707 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $103,707 – $112,738 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Gardner
Beyond salary figures, the local job market demonstrates strength with only six physical therapists employed in Gardner, suggesting a close-knit community where opportunities may vary significantly. With a cost-of-living index of 90.9, professionals here can expect a relatively lower impact on their purchasing power, making local salaries stretch further compared to more expensive areas. Employers such as outpatient orthopedic clinics, which include chains like Athletico and ATI, may offer a range of compensation options, particularly if employees meet high productivity expectations and bonuses tied to visit counts. Moreover, factors such as board certifications like OCS or SCS can help therapists command higher salaries by qualifying for additional stipends. To maximize pay, aspiring physical therapists in Gardner might consider specializing, engaging in insurance-based models, or looking into cash-pay practices, all of which can influence compensation potential.
More salary data for Gardner, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Gardner, KS in 2026?
Is Gardner, KS a good place to work as a physical therapist?
Can physical therapists make $100K in Gardner?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist salary in Gardner?
How much does a physical therapist make per hour in Gardner?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $86,621 for physical therapistsin the Gardner metropolitan area. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Gardner 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