Physical Therapist salary in Iowa
Physical Therapists in Iowa earn a median of $46.10 per hour, about $95,890 a year, 5% below the U.S. median of $48.57. The middle half earn between $38.54 and $50.21 per hour. The highest median among Iowa metro areas is in Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL, at $47.82 per hour. Source: BLS, May 2024.
- $46.10median pay per hour
- $95,890median pay per year
- 2,800physical therapists employed in Iowa
- #43of 50 states by median pay
Physical Therapist pay in Iowa: percentiles
| Level | Iowa per hour | Iowa per year | U.S. per hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lowest 10% | $33.65 | $69,990 | $35.78 |
| Lower quartile | $38.54 | $80,160 | $40.13 |
| Median | $46.10 | $95,890 | $48.57 |
| Upper quartile | $50.21 | $104,440 | $56.34 |
| Top 10% | $55.96 | $116,400 | $63.70 |
Physical Therapist pay by metro area in Iowa
| Metro area | Median / hr | Median / year | Employed | vs Iowa median | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $47.82 | $99,460 | 260 | 4% above | $53.68 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $47.17 | $98,110 | 800 | 2% above | $51.44 |
| Dubuque, IA | $46.31 | $96,320 | 120 | in line with | $53.03 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $41.81 | $86,950 | 100 | 9% below | $48.36 |
| Ames, IA | $41.56 | $86,440 | 110 | 10% below | $46.79 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $41.21 | $85,720 | 230 | 11% below | $46.32 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $40.87 | $85,010 | 160 | 11% below | $46.95 |
| Iowa City, IA | $40.81 | $84,880 | 190 | 11% below | $44.60 |
Metro areas with 30 or more workers in the BLS sample. After cost of living divides the median by the BEA regional price index (U.S. = 100).
Physical Therapist pay in states next to Iowa
Physical Therapist jobs in Iowa · Physical Therapist salary nationwide · Iowa state guide
Common questions
How much does a physical therapist make in Iowa?
The median is $46.10 per hour, about $95,890 a year. The lowest 10% earn under $33.65 and the top 10% earn over $55.96 (BLS, May 2024).
Which Iowa city pays physical therapists the most?
Among Iowa metro areas, Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL has the highest median at $47.82 per hour. See the metro table for the rest and for pay after cost of living.
Where does Iowa rank for physical therapist pay?
Iowa ranks 43rd of 50 states by median physical therapist pay.
Is this the same as the pay in job postings?
No. BLS figures come from a survey of employers and cover all workers in the occupation. Posted pay is the range an employer lists on one open role. Both are useful: use the survey for the market and the posting for a specific job.
What do employers near you pay physical therapists? Get the report.
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- 1Pay for your role at other hospitals
The hourly pay at named employers near you, so you see who pays most.
- 2What they are offering now
The pay range and median across current postings, and how many were posted this month.
- 3Roles open for you right now
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Your PT pay reportIowa · pay published by employers and employer-reported wage offers in federal filings
1Pay for your role at other employers
- UnityPoint at HomeCedar Rapids, IA · 1 wage offer$52.98/ hr$53–$53
- Select MedicalState Center, IA · 2 postings$44.55/ hr$35–$55
- UnityPoint At HomeFort Dodge, IA · 1 wage offer$40.66/ hr$41–$41
- Grandison Management, Inc.Iowa · 7 wage offers$32.09/ hr$32–$32
Median pay per hour, with the range each employer published or reported in federal filings.
2What they are offering now
10 employer-reported wage offers for PT in federal filings in Iowa, July 2025 – June 2026. Month-by-month history by employer comes with your full report.
3Open now: 2 PT roles
- Physical Therapist - PRNPer diem$40.00–$55.00/ hour
- Physical TherapistPermanent$73k–$100k/ year
Each one has pay, shift and start date.