Senior Physical Therapist Salary in Hays, KS: $112,141 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapists working in Hays, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $112,141/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1123. Strip back Hays's price premium (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $123,367 in average-cost America. The 25% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Senior physical therapists in Hays, KS, can anticipate substantial earnings, especially at the top-tier level where salaries can reach as high as $112,141 in 2026. The salary range for experienced professionals showcases a notable experience premium: while the median salary sits at $89,608, the top earners can make $103,866 or more, reflecting the value placed on years of expertise and specialization. Achieving this level of compensation usually requires advanced credentials, consistent professional development, and a track record of successful patient outcomes. Those who excel in high-demand specializations are particularly well-positioned to attain these lucrative salary levels, showcasing their skills in a competitive market.
About the Hays Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hays
Experienced physical therapists at the top of the pay scale in Hays earn between $103,866 and $112,141 per year (2026 est.). This $37,121 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hays median of $89,608 sits 14.89% below the US median.
Top PT Salary Comparison
| Level | Hays | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $89,608 | $105,288 |
| 75th Percentile | $103,866 | $124,141 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $112,141 | $138,464 |
In Hays, experienced physical therapists (P90) earn 25.15% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Pay in Hays
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS physical therapists with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $89,608 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hays employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Hays command premium compensation, often reaching the $103,866–$112,141 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hays metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced physical therapists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured physical therapists in Hays with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Physical Therapists in Kansas who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Physical Therapist Career & Wage Growth Path in Hays
Clinical Physical Therapist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHays ranks #20 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner physical therapist salary (90th percentile: $112,141).
Top 10% physical therapist compensation in Hays ($112,141) is 8.42% below the Kansas average P90 ($122,446).
2019 BLS Actual
$101,026
2025 BLS Actual
$109,449
2026 Current Est.
$112,141
2019–2027 Growth
+13.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Hays (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $101,026 | Actual |
| 2020 | $102,678 | Actual |
| 2021 | $102,946 | Actual |
| 2022 | $104,339 | Actual |
| 2023 | $105,991 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,483 | Actual |
| 2025 | $109,449 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $112,141 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $114,900 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapists (90th percentile) in Hays saw their compensation grow 8.3% from $101,026 in 2019 to $109,449 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.46% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $114,900 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hays 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.
Maximizing Your Physical Therapist Earnings in Hays
Compensation for senior physical therapists in Hays varies significantly based on their area of specialization and type of employer. Those certified in specialties such as orthopedic (OCS) or sports physical therapy (SCS) are more likely to command higher pay, particularly within outpatient orthopedic clinics, which tend to offer competitive salary packages along with productivity bonuses. Hospitals and skilled nursing facilities also present opportunities, often with more stable compensation structures but potentially higher workload expectations. Advanced roles, such as clinic director or faculty positions in physical therapy programs, can also yield increased income opportunities. Additionally, possessing a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, along with options to pursue board certifications, can further elevate one's earning potential. Non-salary compensation factors like ownership equity or participation in cash-pay models can offer additional financial benefits, shaping the overall landscape of senior physical therapist pay in KS.
More salary data for Hays, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapists make in Hays in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist pay in Hays?
What certifications boost physical therapist salary in Hays?
Can experienced physical therapists make six figures in Hays?
How much does physical therapist salary increase over time in Hays?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $109,449 for physical therapists in the Hays metro area. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hays 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