Physical Therapist Salaries in Iowa — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026How much does a physical therapist make in Iowa? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $95,890/yr ($46.10/hr), with around 2,800 people working in this field statewide.
Physical Therapist salaries in Iowa are below the national average by approximately $3,976. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%.
A solid industrial economy and stable population mean physical therapists in Iowa enjoy reliable job security.
Iowa Physical Therapist Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Iowa after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Iowa Physical Therapist Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Iowa median of $95,890.
Physical Therapist Salary by Experience — Iowa
Physical Therapist Salary Trend in Iowa — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataFive-year wage growth for physical therapists in Iowa: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Iowa's healthcare and rehabilitation.
Physical Therapist Salary by City — Iowa
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | $106,450 | $51.18 | +11.0% | 979 |
| Cedar Rapids | $101,650 | $48.87 | +6.0% | 784 |
| Davenport | $98,750 | $47.48 | +3.0% | 504 |
| Sioux City | $92,050 | $44.25 | -4.0% | 252 |
| Iowa City | $87,250 | $41.95 | -9.0% | 168 |
| Waterloo | $83,400 | $40.10 | -13.0% | 112 |
Tip: Des Moines offers the highest physical therapist salaries in Iowa at $106,450/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Iowa vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Iowa sits in the mid-range for physical therapists.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%.
Physical Therapist Job Outlook in Iowa
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for physical therapists in Iowa is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Iowa job market. A solid industrial economy and stable population mean physical therapists in Iowa enjoy reliable job security.
How to Earn More as a Physical Therapist in Iowa
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a physical therapist in Iowa typically adds $78,600 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Physical Therapy Board can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Des Moines pays physical therapists $106,450/yr — +11.0% above the Iowa average. Simply relocating within Iowa can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Physical Therapists who specialise in healthcare and rehabilitation typically command premium rates in Iowa. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Minnesota pays physical therapists $98,870/yr — 3.1% vs Iowa.
Find Physical Therapist Jobs in Iowa
Live ListingsSearch current physical therapist job vacancies in Iowa:
🔍 Physical Therapist jobs in Iowa — Indeed→ 🔍 Physical Therapist jobs in Iowa — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Physical Therapist jobs — Des Moines, IA→