Branson vs Kansas City: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Branson, MO and Kansas City, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Branson, MO | Kansas City, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,744 | $67,370▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.24 | $32.39▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,971 | $53,019▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,706 | $63,107▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $65,919 | $78,938▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,500 | $83,201▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 880▲ |
Verdict
Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Branson.
The salary gap between Branson and Kansas City is $8,626 (14.68%). Kansas City's median is -4.10% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Branson spans $27,529,Kansas City spans $30,182. Kansas City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kansas City ($72,799 effective) pays 11.04% more than Branson ($65,563 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Branson if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,370/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,201)
- ✓Larger job market (880 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,799)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Branson grew 14.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.1% growth in Kansas City over the same period.
Branson, MO
$49,958 (2024) → $57,183 (2025)
Kansas City, MO
$57,960 (2019) → $65,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Branson, MO
Kansas City, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Branson or Kansas City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Branson and Kansas City?
Should I relocate from Branson to Kansas City as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Branson vs Kansas City?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov