Physical Therapist Salaries in Missouri — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Missouri pays physical therapists a median wage of $93,750 per year — that's $45.07/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 4,090 physical therapists make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.
Physical Therapist salaries in Missouri are below the national average by approximately $6,116. Missouri has a state income tax rate of up to 4.8%.
A solid industrial economy and stable population mean physical therapists in Missouri enjoy reliable job security.
Missouri Physical Therapist Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Missouri after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Missouri has a state income tax rate of up to 4.8%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Missouri has a state income tax rate of up to 4.8%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Missouri Physical Therapist Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Missouri median of $93,750.
Physical Therapist Salary by Experience — Missouri
Physical Therapist Salary Trend in Missouri — 2021 to 2026
5-Year Dataphysical therapists pay in Missouri has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the physical therapist workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Missouri's healthcare and rehabilitation.
Physical Therapist Salary by City — Missouri
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City | $104,050 | $50.02 | +11.0% | 1,431 |
| Saint Louis | $99,400 | $47.79 | +6.0% | 1,145 |
| Springfield | $96,550 | $46.42 | +3.0% | 736 |
| Columbia | $90,000 | $43.27 | -4.0% | 368 |
| Independence | $85,300 | $41.01 | -9.0% | 245 |
| Jefferson City | $81,550 | $39.21 | -13.0% | 163 |
Tip: Kansas City offers the highest physical therapist salaries in Missouri at $104,050/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Missouri vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Missouri sits in the mid-range for physical therapists.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Missouri has a state income tax rate of up to 4.8%.
Physical Therapist Job Outlook in Missouri
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for physical therapists in Missouri is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Missouri job market. A solid industrial economy and stable population mean physical therapists in Missouri enjoy reliable job security.
How to Earn More as a Physical Therapist in Missouri
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a physical therapist in Missouri typically adds $76,900 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Physical Therapy Board can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Kansas City pays physical therapists $104,050/yr — +11.0% above the Missouri average. Simply relocating within Missouri can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Physical Therapists who specialise in healthcare and rehabilitation typically command premium rates in Missouri. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Iowa pays physical therapists $95,890/yr — 2.3% vs Missouri.
Find Physical Therapist Jobs in Missouri
Live ListingsSearch current physical therapist job vacancies in Missouri:
🔍 Physical Therapist jobs in Missouri — Indeed→ 🔍 Physical Therapist jobs in Missouri — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Physical Therapist jobs — Kansas City, MO→