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2026 Salary — Missouri
Updated April 29, 2026

Physical Therapist Salary in Missouri: $93K Median

Physical Therapists in Missouri earn between $70K and $121K per year.

That's -7% below the US national median.

Quick Answer

As of April 2026, the median Physical Therapist salary in Missouri is $92,730 per year — -7% below the US national median of $99,710. Salaries range from $69,750 (entry, 25th percentile) to $120,900 (90th percentile). Missouri's cost-of-living index is 89. State income tax applies.

Median
$92,730
+560.0% YoY
Entry
$72,540
Experienced
$106,950
Top 10%
$120,900

About Physical Therapists in Missouri

Physical therapists help patients recover mobility and manage pain through evidence-based treatment plans, manual therapy, and exercise.

Hot 2026 Skills

Telehealth PTSports medicinePelvic healthManual therapy specialtyDirect access

ATS Keywords

DPTmanual therapypatient evaluationorthopedicsports rehabilitationEMR (WebPT)evidence-based practice

Physical Therapist Salary in Missouri Metros

Click any city for full breakdown including take-home pay calculator.

CityMedian
Kansas City$94,725

How to Negotiate Your Physical Therapist Salary in Missouri

Walk-away anchor: $84,300.

Leverage Points

  • Specialty certifications (CCRN, OCS, BCPS, FNP) command 8-15% premiums
  • Compact license / multi-state authority and willingness to float between units
  • Night, weekend, and holiday shift differentials add up to $10K-$25K annually
  • Critical-shortage specialties (ICU, ER, NICU, oncology) have the most leverage

Negotiate Beyond Base

Sign-on bonus ($10K-$30K, often $50K+ for hard-to-fill roles)Tuition reimbursement and certification stipendsLoan repayment programs (especially federal/HRSA-eligible)Shift differentials (nights +15%, weekends +10%)Relocation package and housing stipend

Physical Therapist Salary FAQ — Missouri

What is the average Physical Therapist salary in Missouri?
The average Physical Therapist salary in Missouri is $92,730 per year as of April 2026. Salaries range from $69,750 (entry, 25th percentile) up to $120,900 (90th percentile). State income tax applies.
How does Physical Therapist pay in Missouri compare to the US average?
Physical Therapists in Missouri earn approximately 7% less than the US national median ($99,710 nationally vs $92,730 in Missouri). Missouri's cost-of-living index of 89 amplifies the real purchasing power.
Did Physical Therapist salaries in Missouri increase in 2026?
Yes — Physical Therapist salaries in Missouri grew approximately 560.0% year-over-year, from $14,050 in 2025 to $92,730 in 2026. This reflects the broader Healthcare sector's wage growth, driven by Telehealth PT and Sports medicine demand.
Which Missouri cities pay Physical Therapists the most?
Top-paying Missouri metros for Physical Therapists: Kansas City ($95K). Click any city for full breakdown including take-home pay.
What's the job outlook for Physical Therapists in Missouri?
PT employment projected to grow 14% — among fastest-growing health professions due to aging population. Missouri's top industries include Logistics, Healthcare, Finance, and the state's unemployment rate is 3.5% — a tight labor market favoring candidates.
Does Missouri have state income tax?
Yes, Missouri has state income tax. This affects take-home pay — at $92,730, expect 4-7% effective state tax depending on filing status. See city pages for detailed take-home calculations.
What skills are most in demand for Physical Therapists in 2026?
Hottest 2026 skills: Telehealth PT, Sports medicine, Pelvic health, Manual therapy specialty, Direct access. ATS systems specifically scan for these. Adding them to your resume — naturally and in context — improves your match rate with Missouri employers.
How can I increase my Physical Therapist salary in Missouri?
Given the current shortage in this specialty and my certifications, I'm looking for $X base plus shift differential and a sign-on bonus. What flexibility do you have on those line items? Beyond base, negotiate: Sign-on bonus ($10K-$30K, often $50K+ for hard-to-fill roles), Tuition reimbursement and certification stipends, Loan repayment programs (especially federal/HRSA-eligible), Shift differentials (nights +15%, weekends +10%). Walk-away anchor for Missouri: $84,300.

Methodology

Missouri Physical Therapist salary is the BLS national median ($99,710) adjusted by Missouri's state multiplier (0.93×). YoY rate from BLS Employment Cost Index. Last reviewed April 29, 2026.

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