Physical Therapist in Lawrence, KS

As a career analyst who’s watched Lawrence’s job market for over a decade, I can tell you this: if you’re a physical therapist (PT) looking for a place where your paycheck stretches further than in coastal markets, Lawrence is worth serious consideration. It’s not a sprawling metropolis, but the city’s healthcare ecosystem is surprisingly robust for its size, anchored by the University of Kansas and a growing network of outpatient clinics. The cost of living is a major draw—91.0 on the index compared to the national 100—but it’s the blend of college-town energy and stable, year-round demand that makes Lawrence a unique play for PTs, especially those early to mid-career. Let’s break down exactly what life and work look like here.

The Salary Picture: Where Lawrence Stands

The first thing to understand is that while Lawrence salaries are solidly above the median for many professions, they don’t quite hit the national average for physical therapists. The median salary here is $97,017/year, with an hourly rate of $46.64/hour. That’s about 2.7% below the national average of $99,710/year. However, this gap is more than offset by the city’s lower cost of living. The Kansas City metro area (which includes Lawrence) has 192 jobs for PTs in the metro, and the 10-year job growth projection is a healthy 14%, driven by an aging population and increased focus on outpatient rehab.

Here’s how salary typically breaks down by experience level in the Lawrence market. These are estimates based on local job postings and conversations with clinic managers:

Experience Level	Typical Lawrence Salary Range	Key Employers at This Level
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$78,000 - $88,000	Large hospital systems, starting at LMH Health, PRN at private clinics.
Mid-Career (3-7 yrs)	$92,000 - $105,000	Outpatient Ortho (OrthoKansas, PT Plus), specialty clinics (Pelvic Health).
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$105,000 - $120,000	Lead PT roles, clinical director positions at smaller practices, home health.
Expert (15+ yrs)	$115,000 - $135,000+	Private practice owners, hospital department heads, niche specialists.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. Many outpatient clinics here offer productivity bonuses that can add $5,000-$12,000 annually. Hospital-based roles (LMH Health, The University of Kansas Health System) often have better benefits packages (pension plans, robust health insurance) that can be worth $10,000-$15,000 in total compensation compared to a slightly higher base at a private practice.

Comparison to Other Kansas Cities:

• Wichita: Slightly lower salaries (median ~$94,000) but a similar, slightly lower cost of living.
• Kansas City, MO: Higher salaries (median ~$102,000) but a significantly higher cost of living (index ~95-97 in suburbs). The metro has far more jobs (over 1,100), offering more sub-specialty opportunities.
• Topeka: Salaries are comparable to Lawrence (~$96,000 median), but the job market is smaller and less diverse.

For a PT, Lawrence hits a sweet spot: a respectable salary that goes further than in a big city, with enough employers to create a competitive but not saturated market.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. On a $97,017 median salary, your take-home pay after federal taxes, FICA, and a conservative estimate for state income tax (Kansas has a progressive system) is approximately $6,700/month (this is an estimate; use a tax calculator for your specific situation).

Now, factor in the average 1BR rent of $869/month. This is a game-changer. Here’s a sample monthly budget for a single PT earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$6,700	After taxes.
Housing (1BR Apt)	$869	Average across the city.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$220	Varies by season; summer AC can spike.
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	You'll need a car in Lawrence.
Groceries & Household	$500	For one person.
Student Loan Payment	$350	Average for a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT).
Retirement (401k, 5%)	$405	Pre-tax deduction.
Health Insurance (Employee Share)	$150	Varies by employer.
Discretionary (Entertainment, Dining)	$1,756	This is where you feel the freedom.
Total Expenses	$4,650
Remaining for Savings/Goals	$2,050

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. The median home price in Lawrence is around $275,000 (as of late 2023). With a $2,050/month surplus, a 20% down payment ($55,000) could be saved in about 2-3 years with disciplined saving. A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $275,000 home would be roughly $1,600-$1,700, which is very manageable on this salary. Neighborhoods like East Lawrence or South Lawrence offer more affordable options, often in the $200,000-$250,000 range.

Where the Jobs Are: Lawrence's Major Employers

The job market is stable but not explosive. Loyalty is valued, and many PTs stay with an employer for years. Here are the key players:

1. LMH Health (Lawrence Memorial Hospital): The city's primary hospital. They run inpatient rehab, acute care, and outpatient orthopedic/sports medicine clinics. Hiring is steady but competitive for full-time roles. They often post jobs directly on their site rather than on large aggregators. Insider Tip: They strongly prefer candidates with a KNPT (Kansas Physical Therapy) license already in hand or in process.

2. The University of Kansas Health System (Main Campus, Kansas City, KS): While the main hospital is in KC, they have a significant outpatient presence in Lawrence, often in partnership with OrthoKansas. This is a great path for PTs interested in academic medicine or complex cases. Salaries here are at the higher end for the area.

3. OrthoKansas: The largest outpatient orthopedic and sports medicine practice in the region, with multiple clinics in Lawrence and the KC metro. They are a major employer and offer a clear career ladder from staff PT to clinical director. They invest in continuing education and have a strong reputation. Hiring Trend: They are actively expanding into Pelvic Health and Vestibular rehab, creating demand for specialists.

4. PT Plus: Another major outpatient ortho practice with a strong presence in Lawrence. Known for a collaborative environment and good work-life balance. Similar to OrthoKansas, they value PTs who can build their own caseload and contribute to clinic growth.

5. Lawrence Post-Acute Rehabilitation (SNF/Rehab Center): A skilled nursing facility that provides long-term care and rehab. This is a key employer for PTs interested in geriatrics, neurology, and complex cases. The pace is different from outpatient, and the salary can be competitive.

6. Private Practice & Specialty Clinics: Several smaller, niche practices exist, focusing on pelvic health, pediatrics, or vestibular rehab. For example, a clinic like Vibrant Pelvic Health or Balance & Gait Lab. These are excellent for PTs with a specialty certification (like WCS or NCS) and can offer higher per-session rates.

7. Home Health Agencies (e.g., Interim HealthCare, LHC Group): Home health is a growing sector in Lawrence, especially with the aging population. The pay is often per-visit, which can be lucrative for efficient PTs, but you must account for travel time and self-management.

Insider Tip: The most common pathway is to start in a hospital or large outpatient clinic (LMH, OrthoKansas) to get your feet wet, then possibly move to a specialty or private practice after 3-5 years. Networking through the Kansas Physical Therapy Association (KPTA) is crucial—many jobs are filled through referrals.

Getting Licensed in KS

Kansas licensure is straightforward but requires planning. The state board is the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts.

1. Examination: You must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTs. This is the same nationwide.
2. Jurisprudence Exam: Kansas requires a state-specific jurisprudence exam on state laws and rules. It's an open-book, online test you can take after passing the NPTE. Cost: ~$100.
3. Application: Submit an application to the Board, including transcripts, NPTE scores, and a background check. The application fee is $185.
4. Timeline: The entire process, from passing the NPTE to receiving your license, typically takes 6-10 weeks if all documents are in order. Delays often occur with background checks or international graduates.
5. Costs (Estimate):
   • NPTE Exam Fee: ~$485
   • Kansas Jurisprudence Exam: ~$100
   • License Application Fee: $185
   • Background Check: ~$50
   • Total: ~$820

Insider Tip: Start the Kansas application process before you move. You can often secure a job offer contingent on obtaining your KS license. Don't wait until you're in town to begin, as the background check can take weeks.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Lawrence is compact, but neighborhoods have distinct personalities. Commutes are short (10-25 minutes max), so you can prioritize lifestyle.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
Downtown / Oread	Historic, walkable, frat/sorority houses, young professionals. 5-10 min to hospitals/clinics.	$950 - $1,200	PTs who want to be in the heart of the action, no car needed for some.
East Lawrence	Artsy, eclectic, more affordable. Mix of old homes and apartments. 10-15 min to most clinics.	$750 - $950	First-time homebuyers, those seeking a creative community.
South Lawrence	Suburban, family-oriented, with more chain stores and newer apartments. 15-20 min commute.	$800 - $1,000	PTs who want more space, quiet, and easy access to highways.
North Lawrence	Residential, quiet, with some industrial areas. 10-15 min to downtown.	$700 - $900	Those seeking the most affordable rent and a quiet home base.
West Lawrence	Mixed, with some student housing and older suburban homes. 15-20 min to clinics.	$850 - $1,050	A balance between suburban quiet and access to amenities.

Insider Tip: For a PT with a car, East Lawrence offers the best value. You can find a charming older apartment or small house for under $900/month and still be a 10-minute drive from LMH and OrthoKansas. It’s also where many young professionals live, making it easier to build a social circle.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Lawrence, career growth is more about deepening expertise than rapid vertical climbing. The 14% 10-year job growth is promising, but it’s not in mega-hospitals—it’s in outpatient, home health, and specialty clinics.

• Specialty Premiums: Earning a specialty certification can significantly boost your value.
  • Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS): Highly valued in outpatient clinics like OrthoKansas. Can command a $5,000-$10,000 salary premium.
  • Women’s Health Clinical Specialist (WCS): In high demand due to a lack of providers. Can lead to opportunities at specialty clinics or as a consultant for hospitals.
  • Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS): Useful for roles in inpatient rehab (LMH) or with the KU Med system.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Clinical Ladder: Many systems (LMH, KU Med) have formal ladders from Staff PT to Senior PT to Lead PT, with each step adding $5,000-$8,000.
  2. Management: Becoming a Clinic Director at a practice like PT Plus or OrthoKansas. This adds administrative duties but can increase salary to the $115,000+ range.
  3. Entrepreneurship: The market has room for niche practices. A PT with a strong reputation and a specialty can successfully open a small pelvic health or sports performance clinic in Lawrence.
• 10-Year Outlook: The demand will be solidified by the aging population (Baby Boomers) and increased insurance coverage for PT. The rise of telehealth is also creating remote consulting opportunities for specialists, which a Lawrence-based PT can tap into. The key is to build a reputation early—network with local physicians, get involved with KPTA, and consider teaching at a local community college (like Johnson County CC) for stability.

The Verdict: Is Lawrence Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High Affordability: Housing costs are a fraction of national averages. Your $97,017 salary goes much further.	Limited Job Variety: You won't find the sub-sub-specialties of a major metropolis.
Stable Job Market: 14% growth and employers like LMH and OrthoKansas provide stability.	Lower Ceiling: Top-end salaries cap out around $135,000 unless you own a practice.
Vibrant Community: College-town culture, great restaurants, and outdoor activities (Clinton Lake, KU sports).	Car Dependency: Public transit is limited; you'll need a reliable vehicle.
Manageable Size: Easy commutes, less stress, and a strong sense of community.	Can Feel "Small": Social circles can be tight-knit, which is great for some but may feel limiting for others.
Proximity to KC: Easy 45-minute drive to Kansas City for big-city amenities, airport, and additional networking.	Weather: Winters are cold and can be icy; summers are hot and humid.

Final Recommendation:
Lawrence is an ideal choice for physical therapists in the mid-career stage (3-10 years) who value work-life balance, affordability, and a strong sense of community. It’s perfect for those who want to buy a home, avoid the crush of a major city, and still have meaningful career options. It’s less ideal for PTs seeking hyper-specialization or the very highest salaries in the field. If you’re a new grad, it’s a great place to start and build experience without being overwhelmed. For a seasoned specialist, it’s a place to establish a niche practice or take a leadership role with a lower cost of living.

FAQs

Q: Is the cost of living in Lawrence truly as low as the data suggests?
A: Yes. The 91.0 index is accurate, but the biggest factor is housing. You can rent a nice 1BR for $850-$950 and buy a starter home for under $300,000. Groceries and utilities are close to the national average, but the housing savings are massive.

Q: How competitive is the job market for new PTs?
A: Moderately competitive. Large employers like LMH and OrthoKansas get many applications. Your best chance is to have your Kansas license in hand or in process, be flexible on schedule (weekends/evenings), and network through the KPTA. Consider starting in a less glamorous role (e.g., at a SNF) to get your foot in the door.

Q: Do I need a car in Lawrence?
A: Yes, unequivocally. While you could bike or walk from Downtown/Oread to a few clinics, most employers are spread across the city. The bus system is not reliable enough for daily commuting. Factor in car insurance, which is relatively low in Kansas.

Q: What’s the best way to network with employers here?
A: Join the Kansas Physical Therapy Association (KPTA) and attend their annual conference (often in Topeka or Wichita). Many clinics have directors who are active in KPTA. Also, consider doing a clinical rotation at LMH or OrthoKansas during your DPT program—this is the most effective way to get hired post-graduation.

Q: Can I live here without being a KU fan?
A: (Laughs) You can, but you’ll be in the minority. The university is the economic and cultural engine of the city. It’s not mandatory to wear Jayhawk blue