Physical Therapist in Lee's Summit, MO

The Salary Picture: Where Lee's Summit Stands

As a local career analyst, the first thing I tell any physical therapist considering Lee's Summit is this: you're looking at a market that pays slightly below the national average but offers a significantly lower cost of living. The median salary for a physical therapist here is $97,705/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $46.97/hour. While the national average sits at $99,710/year, that national figure doesn't account for the brutal living costs in coastal cities. In Lee's Summit, your paycheck stretches further.

The job market is steady but not explosive. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) tracks approximately 208 jobs in the broader metro area (which includes Lee's Summit and the surrounding suburbs). The 10-year job growth projection for the metro is 14%, which is robust and reflects both an aging population and a growing awareness of the importance of outpatient physical therapy.

Here’s how salary breaks down by experience level in our local market. These are estimates based on local job postings and industry conversations, benchmarked against the median.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Lee's Summit)	Key Local Employers for This Level
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$75,000 - $85,000	Hospital systems, large outpatient chains (Select, ATI), SNFs
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$90,000 - $105,000	Outpatient clinics, specialty practices, home health
Senior (8-15 years)	$105,000 - $120,000	Clinic director roles, home health lead PTs, hospital specialists
Expert (15+ years)	$120,000+	Private practice owners, clinical directors, niche specialty practice

Local Insight: Salaries in Lee's Summit often have a hard ceiling unless you move into management or own your practice. A senior PT at a busy outpatient clinic in Lee's Summit proper might top out around $115,000 without taking on significant administrative duties. To push past that, you often need to look at home health (which can be more variable) or become a clinical director at a larger system.

Comparison to Other Missouri Cities:

• Kansas City (Metro): Slightly higher median salary (~$101,000), but the cost of living is also higher, especially in the core suburbs.
• St. Louis: Similar salary range to Kansas City, but the market is more saturated in the core.
• Columbia (Home of Mizzou): Salaries can be lower (~$92,000), but the college town vibe and lower rents are a trade-off.
• Springfield: Generally lower salaries (~$90,000), but with a very low cost of living.

Lee’s Summit strikes a balance: it’s a major suburb of a major metro with a cost of living that is 93.3 (compared to the US average of 100). You get access to the KC job market (a 30-minute drive) while living in a more affordable, family-oriented community.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your monthly budget. We'll use the median salary of $97,705/year. After federal taxes, Missouri state income tax (which is a progressive bracket, but let's estimate an effective rate of around 4.5% for this bracket), and FICA, your take-home pay will be approximately $6,200 - $6,400/month, depending on your deductions (health insurance, 401k, etc.).

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a PT at $97,705/year:

Item	Estimated Cost (Lee's Summit)	Notes
Take-Home Pay (after taxes)	$6,300	Conservative estimate
Rent (1BR Average)	$886	As per city data, a great value
Utilities (Electric/Gas/Water)	$150 - $200	Varies by season (hot summers, cold winters)
Groceries	$400 - $500	For one person, moderate spending
Car Payment/Insurance	$500 - $700	Depends on vehicle; insurance is moderate
Student Loans (PTs have significant debt)	$500 - $1,000	This is often the biggest variable
Gas/Transportation	$150 - $200	You'll need a car; public transit is limited
Misc. (Entertainment, savings, etc.)	$1,000+	Plenty of buffer for savings or lifestyle

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With rents this low, you can save aggressively. The median home price in Lee's Summit is around $325,000 (as of 2023). For a 30-year mortgage with 10% down (~$32,500), your monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $2,000 - $2,200. On a $97,705 salary, that's about 26-29% of your gross income—a very comfortable ratio. Many local PTs I know bought homes within 2-4 years of starting their careers here, a feat much harder in larger metros.

Where the Jobs Are: Lee's Summit's Major Employers

Lee's Summit is a hub for both major health systems and community-based clinics. The job market is stable, with turnover coming more from retirement and relocation than from layoffs.

1. Saint Luke's Health System: This is a dominant force in the region. Their Saint Luke's East Hospital is located right in Lee's Summit (near I-70 & 291). They have a large outpatient PT clinic on-site and frequently have openings for inpatient rehab and outpatient orthopedics. They are a major employer with excellent benefits.

2. Lee's Summit Medical Center (HCA Healthcare): Another major hospital right in the city. Their PT department handles inpatient, outpatient, and often has specialized programs for cardiac and neurological rehab. HCA systems are known for structured new grad programs.

3. Children's Mercy Kansas City: While the main hospital is in Kansas City, their Children's Mercy Lee's Summit outpatient location is a key employer for pediatric physical therapists. The demand for pediatric specialists is consistently high.

4. Select Physical Therapy / ATI Physical Therapy: These national outpatient chains have multiple locations in Lee's Summit and the immediate suburbs (like Independence and Blue Springs). They are often the first stop for new grads. They offer mentorship and a structured career ladder, though caseloads can be high.

5. North Kansas City Hospital (Meritas Health): Located about 20 minutes northwest, this is a major employer with a large rehab department. Many Lee's Summit residents commute here for jobs, and the hospital is known for good work-life balance and a strong reputation.

6. Local & Private Outpatient Clinics: This is where you find specialization. Look for clinics like Therapeutic Associates, Benchmark Physical Therapy, or smaller practices focusing on pelvic health, neurological rehab, or sports performance. These often offer higher patient autonomy but may have less robust benefits.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward outpatient orthopedics and home health. The baby boomer generation is driving demand for joint replacements and chronic pain management. There's also a growing need for vestibular and neurological specialists as stroke and TBI care improves. Hospitals are hiring, but growth is in the outpatient and home-based settings.

Getting Licensed in MO

Missouri's licensing is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The Missouri Board of Healing Arts oversees PTs.

1. Education: Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited DPT program. This is non-negotiable.
2. Examinations: You must pass both the NPTE (National Physical Therapy Examination) and the Jurisprudence Exam.
   • NPTE Fee: ~$500 (paid to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy).
   • Missouri Jurisprudence Exam: A 100-question, open-book, online exam specific to Missouri laws and rules. It's a fee of $50. Insider Tip: Don't take this lightly. Study the Missouri PT Practice Act thoroughly. It's a pass/fail requirement, and about 5% of applicants fail on the first try.
3. Application & Fees: Submit your application to the Board with proof of graduation, NPTE score, and jurisprudence exam results. The initial license fee is $150. Background checks are also required.
4. Timeline: From graduation to holding your license, the process typically takes 6-8 weeks if you have your NPTE passed. If you need to take the NPTE, factor in an additional 1-2 months for studying and scheduling.
5. Continuing Education: Missouri requires 30 hours of CEUs every two years, with at least 2 hours in pain management and 2 in cultural competency.

Note: Missouri is part of the Physical Therapy Compact (PT Compact), which allows licensed PTs from other compact states to practice here more easily. If you're already licensed in a compact state (like Kansas or Iowa), the process is much faster.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Lee's Summit is a sprawling suburb. Your choice of neighborhood affects your commute, social life, and rent.

1. Downtown Lee's Summit (Historic District): Walkable, charming, with a growing food and retail scene. The commute to Saint Luke's East or LSMC is under 10 minutes. It's more expensive, with 1BR apartments or older homes renting for $1,100 - $1,400. Great for young professionals who want a community feel.

2. Central/South Lee's Summit (near I-70 & 291): This is the commercial and medical hub. You'll find the largest selection of apartments and newer subdivisions. The commute to major employers is a breeze (5-15 minutes). Rents for 1BR apartments range from $900 - $1,200. Ideal for convenience and minimizing commute time.

3. Northwest Lee's Summit (near Longview Lake & Woods Chapel Rd): More suburban and residential, with excellent schools. It's a 15-20 minute drive to the main hospitals but feels more secluded. You get more space for your money. Rents for 1BR are similar ($850 - $1,050), but you can find townhomes or smaller houses for similar prices.

4. Eastern Lee's Summit (near 50 Hwy & Colbern Rd): This area is growing rapidly, with new construction and more affordable housing. It's a 20-25 minute commute to the main medical centers but offers newer amenities and lower rents ($800 - $1,000 for 1BR). Good for those who prioritize newness and space.

5. Independence or Blue Springs (Adjacent Cities): Don't overlook these neighboring suburbs. They are literally minutes from Lee's Summit's major hospitals, offer similar or slightly lower rents, and have their own charm. Independence has a rich history, while Blue Springs is very family-oriented. Rents can be $50-$100 less than in Lee's Summit proper.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career trajectory in Lee's Summit is what you make of it. The ceiling exists, but the paths are clear.

Specialty Premiums:

• Pediatrics (at Children's Mercy): Can command a 10-15% premium over general outpatient orthopedics.
• Home Health: Base pay is similar, but with productivity bonuses and mileage reimbursement, total compensation can exceed $110,000 for experienced PTs.
• Pelvic Health & Vestibular: These niche specialties are in high demand and are often found in private clinics. You can start your own cash-based practice on the side, which can significantly boost income.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Ladder: Many hospitals (Saint Luke's, North Kansas City) have a formal clinical ladder (e.g., Clinical Staff PT, Senior PT, Clinical Specialist). Each step comes with a pay raise.
2. Management: Move into a Clinic Director role at an outpatient clinic. This involves more admin work (staffing, budgets) but can push your salary to $120,000+.
3. Education: Become a clinical instructor for new grads or students from nearby programs (Rockhurst, UMKC). This is often unpaid but builds your reputation.
4. Private Practice: The biggest leap. Opening a small cash-based practice (e.g., for vestibular or runners) is viable in Lee's Summit. The community is large enough to support niches but small enough that you can become the local expert.

10-Year Outlook (14% Growth): This growth is real. As the population ages, the need for post-orthopedic surgery rehab, fall prevention, and neurological care will surge. The rise of value-based care will also drive more PTs into preventative and home-based roles. Your job security is high, and opportunities to specialize will be plentiful.

The Verdict: Is Lee's Summit Right for You?

Here’s a direct, data-driven look at the pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
Strong purchasing power. A median salary of $97,705 goes much further here than in most metros.	Limited high-end specialty clinics. For niche fields (e.g., advanced pelvic health, complex neuro), you may need to commute to KC.
Stable, growing job market. 14% growth and 208 jobs indicate steady demand.	Car-dependent. You need a reliable vehicle. Public transport is not a viable option.
Family-friendly & safe. Top-tier schools, low crime, and abundant parks (Longview Lake, Legacy Park).	Less "big city" culture. While KC is close, Lee's Summit itself is a suburb. The nightlife and arts scene are modest.
Ideal for homebuyers. The low cost of living makes homeownership achievable early in your career.	Lower salary ceiling. You likely won't see salaries above $120,000 without moving into ownership or high-level management.
Easy access to Kansas City. World-class sports, concerts, and an international airport are a 25-30 minute drive.	Weather. Hot, humid summers and cold, sometimes icy winters. You'll need a good heating/cooling system and a car with A/C and good tires.

Final Recommendation: Lee's Summit is an excellent choice for a physical therapist who values stability, affordability, and quality of life. It's perfect for those looking to buy a home, start a family, and build a long-term career without the financial stress of a major coastal city. It's best suited for generalists in orthopedics, pediatrics, and hospital-based care. If your dream is to work in a hyper-specialized, cutting-edge academic research setting, you might feel constrained. But for 90% of PTs, Lee's Summit offers a rare and compelling balance of a solid career and a comfortable life.

FAQs

1. What's the commute like to downtown Kansas City for a PT job?
It's very manageable. From central Lee's Summit to the Country Club Plaza or downtown KC, the drive is typically 25-35 minutes without heavy traffic. Many PTs live in Lee's Summit and work at hospitals or clinics in the KC metro. The reverse commute (KC to Lee's Summit) is also common.

2. Is it hard to get a job as a new graduate?
It's competitive but very doable. The key is to be flexible. New grad positions at large hospitals (Saint Luke's, LSMC) and chains (Select, ATI) are the most structured. Have your Missouri license in hand before you apply. Consider a PRN (as-needed) position at a nursing home or hospital to get your foot in the door.

3. How do the schools impact property values and my family?
Lee's Summit is part of the Lee's Summit R-7 School District, which is consistently ranked among the best in the state. This drives demand for housing in certain neighborhoods, particularly in the northwest and central parts of the city. If you have or plan to have children, this is a huge pro. It also means homes in those school zones hold their value well.

4. What's the scene like for physical therapists who want to specialize in women's health/pelvic health?
While the demand is growing, dedicated pelvic health clinics in Lee's Summit are still emerging. Your best options are to work for a larger hospital system that has a women's health program (like Saint Luke's) or consider starting a part-time cash-based practice. Many residents also drive to Kansas City for more specialized options, where the market is larger.

5. How does the cost of living index of 93.3 really feel day-to-day?
It means your dollar stretches. A $100 weekly grocery bill here gets you more than in a city with a 110+ index. A nice dinner for two at a local spot like Third Street Social or Village Tavern is more affordable. The biggest savings are in housing. That $886 average rent is for a decent, modern 1BR apartment—something that would cost double in a major metro. You'll feel the financial breathing room in your daily life.