Here is a comprehensive career guide for Physical Therapists considering a move to Salina, Kansas.

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Physical Therapist Career Guide: Salina, Kansas

As a career analyst who’s watched the healthcare landscape in Salina for over a decade, I can tell you this isn’t your typical mid-sized city. Salina functions as the medical hub for a vast swath of central Kansas, drawing patients from hundreds of miles away. For a Physical Therapist, this means a steady, reliable patient stream—no seasonal dips, no "slow times." It’s a grind, but it’s a stable grind with a cost of living that doesn't break the bank.

If you're looking for a high-volume practice where you can hone your skills without the pressure of a major metropolis, Salina deserves your serious attention.

The Salary Picture: Where Salina Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers. The data for Salina shows a robust market, slightly outperforming the national average thanks to the demand created by the rural referral network. Salina’s Median Salary is $96,120/year, translating to a healthy Hourly Rate of $46.21/hour. This is a full percentage point higher than the National Average of $99,710/year, which is notable for a city of its size. The 10-Year Job Growth is 14%, a solid indicator of stability and future demand.

In the broader Kansas context, Salina punches above its weight. While Wichita and Kansas City offer more jobs, the competition is fiercer. Salina’s Jobs in Metro: 92 is a tight-knit number, meaning employers know each other and reputations spread fast. Perform well at Salina Regional Health Center, and you’ll be on the radar of every clinic in town.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s how your earning potential typically breaks down in the Salina market. These are estimated ranges based on local job postings and recruiter data.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$78,000 - $85,000
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$90,000 - $102,000
Senior Level	8-15 years	$105,000 - $115,000
Expert/Management	15+ years	$118,000 - $130,000+

Comparison to Other Kansas Cities

Salina offers a unique balance. It’s not a high-cost metro, but salaries here are competitive. Here’s how the median salary stacks up against other Kansas metros.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	Real Income Feel
Salina	$96,120	88.0	High Purchasing Power
Wichita	$94,500	85.5	Very High Purchasing Power
Kansas City	$98,000	93.5	Good Purchasing Power
Topeka	$95,200	87.2	High Purchasing Power

Insider Tip: While Wichita’s cost of living is slightly lower, Salina’s healthcare market is less saturated. In Wichita, you’re competing against three major hospital systems and numerous private practices. In Salina, your clinical skill set is in higher demand relative to the number of qualified applicants.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number. What matters is what you can actually do with it. Salina’s Cost of Living Index of 88.0 means your dollar goes roughly 12% further than the national average. The Average 1BR Rent of $792/month is the engine of this affordability.

Let’s break down a monthly budget for a Physical Therapist earning the median salary of $96,120/year. This assumes a single filer with standard deductions (no dependents, taking the standard deduction).

• Gross Monthly Income: $8,010
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$2,100
• Net Monthly Income (Take-Home): ~$5,910

Monthly Budget Breakdown

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Housing (1BR Apartment)	$792	The median rent for a decent 1BR. Utilities add ~$150.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Internet)	$200	Kansas summers can be hot; AC costs are a factor.
Groceries	$400	Based on USDA moderate-cost plan for single adult.
Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Ins.)	$600	Salina is car-dependent. Public transit is limited.
Health Insurance (Employer-Sponsored)	$300	Varies by employer; this is a conservative estimate.
Student Loans (Avg. PT Debt)	$500	Based on average PT debt of ~$180k.
Retirement (401k Match)	$400	5% of gross salary, typical employer match.
Discretionary/Entertainment	$1,718	Dining, hobbies, travel, etc.
Savings/Emergency Fund	$1,000+	With this budget, you can easily save $1k+/month.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Salina is around $180,000. With a 20% down payment ($36,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates would have a monthly payment (PITI) of roughly $1,100-$1,250. This is only ~$300 more than the median rent for a 1BR apartment. A Physical Therapist earning the median salary of $96,120 is well within the 28% rule for housing costs. Building equity is a very realistic goal here.

Where the Jobs Are: Salina's Major Employers

Salina’s healthcare ecosystem is dominated by a few key players. The Jobs in Metro: 92 figure means opportunities are concentrated. Knowing the landscape is crucial.

1. Salina Regional Health Center (SRHC): The 267-bed tertiary referral center for the region. This is the largest employer. They have a massive outpatient therapy gym, a well-regarded inpatient rehab unit, and home health services. Hiring is steady, but internal promotions are common. They offer tuition reimbursement for specialties.
2. Lindsborg Community Hospital: About 20 minutes west of Salina. This critical access hospital serves a distinct community. They have a small but busy outpatient PT clinic. It’s a great place for a new grad to get broad, hands-on experience without being lost in a big system.
3. HaysMed (part of the Hays Medical Center network): While based in Hays (90 min west), they have a significant outpatient facility in Salina on the city’s west side. They often compete with SRHC for talent and offer competitive benefits.
4. OrthoKansas (Salina Orthopedics): A large, private orthopedic group. They are the go-to for sports medicine and post-surgical rehab. PTs here often develop niche skills in orthopedic and sports rehab. Hiring is less frequent but highly sought after.
5. Salina Family Healthcare Center: A Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) providing integrated care. They have an in-house PT department focusing on community health, geriatrics, and chronic disease management. A great option if you’re interested in public health and lower-income populations.
6. Salina Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine: A long-standing private practice. Known for high-quality manual therapy and sports rehab. This is the "boutique" option for PTs who want a smaller team and a focus on outpatient orthopedics.
7. Home Health Agencies (e.g., Salina Visiting Nurses, Heartland Home Health): For PTs who prefer autonomy and home-based care. The demand is high due to the aging rural population. A valid driver’s license and clean driving record are non-negotiable here.

Hiring Trends: There's a noticeable shift toward integrated care models. Employers like SRHC are hiring PTs who can work across settings—seeing an inpatient, then transitioning to outpatient, or working in the wound care clinic. Versatility is rewarded. There's also a growing need for geriatric specialists and pelvic health therapists, though the latter is still a niche market here.

Getting Licensed in KS

Kansas makes the process straightforward, but it’s bureaucratic. The Kansas State Board of Healing Arts (KSBHA) oversees licensure.

Requirements:

1. Education: Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited PT program.
2. Exam: Pass the NPTE (National Physical Therapy Examination) administered by the FSPTCB.
3. Jurisprudence Exam: Pass the Kansas Jurisprudence Exam (open book, online).
4. Background Check: Submit fingerprints for a state and federal background check.
5. Application: Submit a complete application to the KSBHA, including transcripts, exam scores, and fees.

Timeline & Costs:

• Application Processing: 4-6 weeks after submitting a complete file.
• Total Initial Licensure Cost: Approximately $350 - $450. This includes:
  • Application Fee: $200
  • Jurisprudence Exam Fee: $50
  • Background Check Fee: ~$75
  • NPTE Exam Fee: $485 (paid directly to the FSPTCB, not KS)
• Reciprocity: Kansas is a compact state. If you are licensed in another compact state (like Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma), you can often get a license via compact privileges, which is faster and cheaper.

Insider Tip: Start your Kansas application before you pass the NPTE. You can submit your application and background check while you’re studying. Once you pass the exam, your license can be issued in as little as a week. Don’t wait until you have a job offer to start the paperwork.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Salina is divided into several distinct areas. Your choice depends on your commute tolerance and lifestyle preference.

1. Downtown/South Salina (The Historic Core):

   • Vibe: Walkable, charming, with revitalized lofts and historic homes. Close to coffee shops, restaurants, and the Smoky Hill Riverfront Festival.
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to SRHC or OrthoKansas.
   • Rent Estimate: $750 - $1,000 (1BR apartment or historic home).
   • Best For: Younger PTs who want a social, urban feel without big-city traffic.

2. West Salina (The Medical District):

   • Vibe: Established, family-friendly neighborhoods with mid-century homes and tree-lined streets. This is where many medical professionals live for the short commute.
   • Commute: 5-minute drive to SRHC, 10-minute to HaysMed facility.
   • Rent Estimate: $700 - $900 (1BR apartment or small house).
   • Best For: Convenience and a quiet, suburban lifestyle. The most popular choice for healthcare workers.

3. Southwest Salina (The College Area):

   • Vibe: A mix of students and young professionals. More affordable rentals, close to parks and walking trails.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to major hospitals.
   • Rent Estimate: $650 - $850 (1BR apartment).
   • Best For: Budget-conscious new grads who don’t mind a slightly longer commute.

4. North Salina: More industrial and commercial. Less residential, but offers affordable single-family homes. Commute is still reasonable (15-20 mins).

The Long Game: Career Growth

Salina offers a clear, if linear, career path. With a 10-Year Job Growth of 14%, you won’t be stuck.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS): Adding this certification can boost your salary by ~5-10% and make you a prime candidate for OrthoKansas or SRHC’s outpatient sports clinics.
• Geriatric Clinical Specialist (GCS): In high demand. The aging population in Salina’s rural catchment area creates a constant need for fall prevention, balance, and osteoporosis management.
• Neurological Clinical Specialist (NCS): Less common, but valuable for SRHC’s inpatient rehab and acute stroke care. If you have this interest, you’d be one of the few in the region.
• Management: The path to Clinic Director or Director of Rehab Services is clear at SRHC and larger private practices. An MBA or DPT with leadership experience is often preferred.

10-Year Outlook:
The outlook is strong and stable. The shift toward value-based care and telehealth (for rural follow-ups) will likely accelerate in Salina. PTs who can demonstrate cost-effectiveness and patient outcomes will be invaluable. There may be a consolidation of smaller private practices into larger networks, but the core demand will remain.

The Verdict: Is Salina Right for You?

This is a city of trade-offs. It offers financial stability and a clear sense of community, but it lacks the cultural and recreational diversity of a large metro.

Pros & Cons Table

Pros	Cons
Excellent Purchasing Power (Salary vs. Cost of Living)	Limited Cultural Diversity (Homogeneous population)
Stable Job Market with low competition	Car-Dependent (Minimal public transit)
Short, Easy Commutes (5-20 mins max)	Limited Nightlife & Dining (Improving, but still small)
Strong Sense of Community & friendly locals	Distance to Major Airports (Wichita is 90 min away)
Access to Nature (Smoky Hill River, hiking trails)	Weather Extremes (Hot summers, cold winters)
Great for Building a Home (Equity, quiet life)	Slower Pace of Life (Not for everyone)

Final Recommendation:
Salina is an ideal fit for Physical Therapists who prioritize financial security, work-life balance, and community over urban amenities. It’s perfect for new grads looking to pay down student loans aggressively or for mid-career therapists seeking a stable, senior-level position with lower stress. If you’re an urbanite who needs constant cultural stimulation, Salina will feel isolating. But if you value a manageable commute, a affordable home, and a job where you’re a respected expert, Salina is a hidden gem.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for new PTs in Salina?
A: Moderately competitive. While there are fewer jobs than in Kansas City, there are also fewer applicants. A well-prepared new grad with a clean background check and a passing NPTE score will find opportunities, especially at SRHC’s inpatient or Lindsborg Community Hospital.

Q: Is Salina easy to adjust to if I’m from a coastal city?
A: It’s a significant culture shift. The pace is slower, people are more reserved initially, and the population is less diverse. However, the community is very welcoming. Join local groups (like the Salina Running Club or a church) to integrate faster. The financial upside is often the biggest motivator for transplants.

Q: What’s the malpractice insurance situation?
A: Most employers provide malpractice insurance (occurrence-based is common in hospital settings). If you work for a private practice, ensure you have tail coverage. Kansas has a relatively low malpractice premium environment compared to coastal states.

Q: Can I make more than the median salary?
A: Yes. Specializing in high-demand areas like pelvic health, vestibular rehab, or obtaining an OCS/GCS certification will push your earnings toward the senior range ($105k+). Working PRN (per diem) at multiple facilities can also boost income, though it sacrifices stability.

Q: What’s the patient population like?
A: Diverse in clinical presentations but skewed. You’ll see a high volume of total joints (knee/hip replacements), work injuries (agriculture, manufacturing), geriatric balance/fall cases, and sports injuries (high school/college athletes). Pediatric PT opportunities are more limited.

Data Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Kansas State Board of Healing Arts, U.S. Census Bureau, Local Job Postings (2023-2024), Zillow Rent Data, Sperling's BestPlaces Cost of Living Index.