Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Topeka, KS: $31.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Topeka, KS runs $31.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,004 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Topeka's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.8, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,603 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Topeka, Kansas, the physical therapist assistant hourly rate is projected to reach $31.73 in 2026. This figure falls slightly below the national hourly median of $33.77. For those working part-time, such as three days per week, this hourly rate translates to respectable earnings while offering flexibility. Per-diem physical therapist assistants, who often work in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, or home health environments, typically experience a range of compensation depending on their employment settings. The hourly range for physical therapist assistants in Topeka spans from $25.27 at the entry level to about $36.99 for those at the top end of the market according to official Bureau of Labor Statistics projections.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.27 | $202.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.00 | $232.01 |
| Median (P50) | $31.73 | $253.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.79 | $286.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.99 | $295.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Topeka
Based on $31.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.73/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Topeka, KS can expect to earn approximately $66,005 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,080. With a cost-of-living index of 88.82 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Topeka.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Topeka
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,269.33 | $5,500 | $66,005 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $761.60 | $3,300 | $39,603 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $507.73 | $2,200 | $26,402 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Topeka) | $31.73 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Massage Therapist (National Avg) | $27.10 |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Topeka, KS earn a median of $66,004 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.04% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 3.40% above the Kansas state average of $63,834.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.73/hr = $39,603/year (purchasing power: $44,588).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,005/year (purchasing power: $74,314).
CoL index: 88.82 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Topeka (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Topeka grew 11.1% from $27.81/hr (2019) to $30.89/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.60/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapist assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Topeka 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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist Assistant in Topeka
Analyzing the financial landscape for physical therapist assistants reveals various earning potentials, especially for those choosing part-time roles or per-diem contracts. A physical therapist assistant working 24 hours a week may take home an annual figure that reflects a stable income but is less than what a full-time counterpart would earn. On a per-diem basis, compensation can vary significantly; rates typically range from $32 to $48 per hour, with travel assignments bringing weekly pay ranging from $1,200 to $1,800. The reduction in reimbursement rates for PTA services since the CMS 15% Medicare cut has influenced hourly wages, particularly in settings heavily reliant on Medicare funding, like skilled nursing facilities. Given this dynamic environment in Topeka, professionals might opt for roles with lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance. When negotiating pay, it's essential for physical therapist assistants to weigh these factors carefully and consider their overall compensation package. Understanding the nuances between employer types—such as outpatient orthopedic clinics, rehab facilities, and school programs—can lead to more informed career choices in this evolving field.
More salary data for Topeka, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Topeka in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Topeka?
Are physical therapist assistants in Topeka paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Topeka?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapist assistants in Topeka. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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