Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Emporia, KS: $44,736 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Emporia, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,736 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Emporia's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,215 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($58,950) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates aspiring to become physical therapist assistants in Emporia, Kansas, can anticipate an entry-level salary around $44,736. This figure provides a stepping stone into a profession where the median annual salary in the city is projected at $58,950, indicating a significant gap for those just starting. Early-career PTAs may progressively earn towards the 25th percentile, approximately $53,421, within their first few years of practice. Given the current trends, Emporia presents a reasonable market for fresh graduates, particularly as the demand for PTAs continues to grow at an expected annual rate of 2.73%. For those focused on building a career in this field, solid starting packages can often lead to more competitive salaries as they gain experience.
About the Emporia Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Emporia
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Emporia
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Emporia, KS typically start between $44,736 and $53,421 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $29,178 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $58,950 — 16.08% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Kansas of $13,000 represents just 29.06% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($44,736/year) in Emporia. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school programs.
PTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Emporia
- 1Research the Emporia market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $44,736 to $53,421, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Emporia, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Emporia for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Emporia's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Assistant Compensation Range
The physical therapist assistant wage spread in Emporia is $29,178 ( 65.22%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,736, experienced hygienists can earn up to $73,914.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,506
2025 BLS Actual
$43,547
2026 Current Est.
$44,736
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Emporia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,506 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,861 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,999 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,525 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,403 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,434 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,547 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,736 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,957 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Emporia, KS grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,506 in 2019 to $43,547 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,957. New graduates entering the Emporia job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Emporia 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 2.73% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Emporia
New physical therapist assistant positions in Emporia predominantly arise in outpatient clinics, as these settings typically welcome newly minted graduates. Skilled nursing facilities also continue to hire PTAs, despite facing challenges due to recent reimbursement cuts from Medicare, which saw a 15% reduction in payments for PTA services effective 2022. To maximize initial earnings, new PTAs should ensure they have completed an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program and obtained their national licensure by passing the NPTAE exam. Furthermore, gaining additional credentials through the APTA can distinguish candidates in the job market. New graduates can expect incremental salary increases during the first few years; however, they should remain cognizant of the economic pressures within Medicare-reliant environments, as well as their potential career paths towards transitioning to a DPT degree. By strategically navigating their early careers, new PTAs in Emporia can find fulfilling opportunities while enhancing their professional worth.
More salary data for Emporia, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Emporia in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Emporia?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Emporia?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Emporia?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Kansas?
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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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Emporia. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Emporia 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 2.73%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapist assistants (SOC 31-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov