Salary data · Iowa
Physical therapist assistant salary in Iowa
Physical therapist assistants in Iowa earn a mean of $60,220 a year and a median of $61,030, 12.4% below the national mean of $68,730. That ranks 48th of the 51 states with a published estimate.
$60,220
Mean annual wage
about $29 an hour
$61,030
Median annual wage
48th of 51
State rank
by mean wage
1,060
PTAs employed
BLS estimate
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025 estimates. These are estimates for physical therapist assistants already employed in Iowa, not offers; the hourly figure divides the annual mean by 2,080 hours. Setting, specialty and caseload move an individual offer well above or below them. Updated October 22, 2026.
By metro
Physical therapist assistant pay by metro in Iowa
| Metro | Mean | Median | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport | $66,030 | $61,130 | 140 |
| Des Moines | $64,430 | $61,360 | 170 |
| Waterloo | $60,890 | $62,850 | 60 |
| Iowa City | $59,420 | $58,140 | 60 |
| Cedar Rapids | $56,070 | $58,180 | 110 |
Source: BLS OEWS metropolitan estimates. Suppressed cells show n/a.
The market
How many physical therapist assistants work in Iowa
Source: NPPES monthly file, October 2026 (CMS, public domain), as of October 2026.
Licensed in another state?
Iowa is a PT Compact member and is issuing compact privileges: physical therapists and physical therapist assistants licensed in another member state can obtain a privilege to practice in Iowa without applying for a new state license.
How the PT Compact works →Open roles
PTA openings in Iowa
Thinking about a PTA move in Iowa?
Send a resume and a few lines on the setting, schedule and pay you want. A licensed clinician reads every one, and it stays confidential.