Physical Therapist Salary in Iowa
Based on 3K+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$97,560
$46.90/hr
vs National Average
$101,618
-4.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$74K – $121K
3K employed in Iowa
Physical Therapist salary in Iowa averages $97,560 annually, with approximately 2,530 professionals currently employed in the state. This median figure falls about 4% below the national average, though Iowa offers a lower cost of living compared to many other states. The salary range spans from $73,780 to $120,730, reflecting significant variation based on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence Physical Therapist salary in Iowa, including years of experience, specific employer type, and geographic location within the state. Therapists working in urban centers or specialized facilities may earn differently than those in rural areas. Additional credentials, patient volume, and whether a therapist owns their own practice also play important roles in determining overall compensation and earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Physical Therapist in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $73,780 |
| 25th percentile | $78,810 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $97,560 |
| 75th percentile | $106,070 |
| 90th percentile | $120,730 |
Top-Paying Industries for Physical Therapist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Physical Therapists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Physical Therapists in Iowa tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $120,530 | 30 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $111,030 | 4K |
| Finance and Insurance | $104,860 | 60 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $102,890 | 249K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $101,820 | 60 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Physical Therapist in Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $84,700 |
| 2023 | $92,200 |
| 2024 | $95,890 |
| 2025 | $97,560 |
| 2026 (projected) | $99,259 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Iowa Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $84,700 | $94,188 |
| 2023 | $92,200 | $97,485 |
| 2024 | $95,890 | $99,884 |
| 2025 | $97,560 | $101,618 |
| 2026 (projected) | $99,259 | $103,388 |
Physical Therapist Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $78,810 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $97,560 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $106,070 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $120,730 |
Physical Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Physical Therapist Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Physical Therapist ($97,560 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physical Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in IA | $429,050 | +339.8% | $206.27/hr |
| Radiologist in IA | $405,220 | +315.4% | $194.82/hr |
| Surgeon in IA | $370,390 | +279.7% | $178.07/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in IA | $356,020 | +264.9% | $171.16/hr |
| Psychiatrist in IA | $295,270 | +202.7% | $141.96/hr |
| Cardiologist in IA | $283,070 | +190.1% | $136.09/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in IA | $273,070 | +179.9% | $131.28/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in IA | $265,200 | +171.8% | $127.50/hr |
| Pediatrician in IA | $262,440 | +169.0% | $126.17/hr |
| Dentist in IA | $181,520 | +86.1% | $87.27/hr |
| Pharmacist in IA | $138,860 | +42.3% | $66.76/hr |
| Podiatrist in IA | $134,830 | +38.2% | $64.82/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Iowa?
- Physical therapists in Iowa earn a median salary of $97,560 per year, or approximately $47 per hour. This is 4.0% below the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for physical therapists in Iowa?
- Physical therapist salaries in Iowa range from $73,780 at the lower end to $120,730 at the upper end, reflecting variation based on experience, specialization, and employer type.
How many physical therapists are employed in Iowa?
- There are currently 2,530 physical therapists employed in Iowa, providing a substantial job market in the state.
Is the physical therapist salary in Iowa competitive compared to the national average?
- Iowa's physical therapist median salary of $97,560 is slightly below the national average by 4.0%, making it a moderately competitive market for the profession in the region.