Physical Therapist Salary in Olathe, KS: $96,034 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Olathe, KS earns a median $96,034/year (≈ $46.17/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Olathe's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $105,648 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% above the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in Olathe, Kansas are projected to earn a median annual salary of $96,034, reflecting the unique dynamics of the local healthcare market. The salary range spans from $73,804 at the 10th percentile to $130,160 at the 90th percentile, showcasing a potential for high earnings, particularly for specialists focused on cash-pay models like sports and orthopedic therapy. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026 and adjusted for regional living costs, suggest that while the physical therapist pay in Olathe KS is competitive, it still lags behind the national median of $105,288. For those entering this profession in Olathe, understanding the factors influencing pay can lead to strategic career choices that capitalize on local trends.
About the Olathe Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,804 | $35.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,384 | $39.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $96,034 | $46.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $111,884 | $53.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $130,160 | $62.57 |
Median Salary Position
8.79% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Olathe
In Olathe, KS, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $56,356 (2026 est.). At $96,034, the local median is 8.79% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Olathe: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Olathe Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Olathe median: $96,034/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Olathe Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $95,746 | +0.30% more |
| National Average | $105,288 | -8.79% less |
Physical Therapists in Olathe, KS earn a median of $96,034 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.79% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 0.30% above the Kansas state average of $95,746.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Olathe 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.
Olathe, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $96,034 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $105,648 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$81,579
2025 BLS Actual
$93,728
2026 Current Est.
$96,034
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Olathe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $81,579 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,011 | Actual |
| 2021 | $87,216 | Actual |
| 2022 | $89,131 | Actual |
| 2023 | $90,946 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,265 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,728 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,034 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,396 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Olathe metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $81,579 (2019) to $93,728 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $98,396 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,817 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Olathe 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) | $73,804 – $81,384 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,384 – $96,034 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $96,034 – $111,884 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $111,884 – $130,160 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Olathe
The job market for physical therapists in Olathe is comparatively robust, with approximately 33 professionals currently employed in the area. With a cost of living index at 90.9, which is below the national average, therapists may find that their take-home pay affords a relatively comfortable lifestyle. Employers such as outpatient orthopedic clinics and hospital systems often provide the most competitive salaries, although variations in payment can arise from factors like productivity expectations and specialty certifications. Those who seek to enhance their compensation may consider pursuing board certifications such as Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) or Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS), or exploring practice ownership opportunities, as higher earnings are usually associated with increased productivity or cash-based service models. Staying informed on reimbursement trends, especially regarding insurance versus cash-pay structures, will also be crucial for maximizing earnings in this evolving field.
More salary data for Olathe, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Olathe, KS in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Olathe?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist salary in Olathe?
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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 $93,728 for physical therapistsin the Olathe 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 Olathe 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