Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Ankeny, IA: $43,275 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Ankeny, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,275 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Ankeny's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,871 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($60,730) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of physical therapy as assistants in Ankeny, IA, can anticipate a starting physical therapist assistant salary around $43,275 in 2026. This initial compensation reflects the lower end of the pay scale for entry-level positions, which still presents a significant gap when compared to the city’s median annual salary of $60,730. Over the first few years, those entering the profession can look forward to growth that might lead them toward the $53,323 mark at the 25th percentile, with room to progress further as they gain experience. Considering the local job market, Ankeny appears to be favorable for new PTAs, particularly as they seek roles in various healthcare settings.
About the Ankeny Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Ankeny
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ankeny
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Ankeny, IA typically start between $43,275 and $53,323 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $37,673 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $60,730 — 13.55% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Iowa of $18,000 represents just 41.59% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($43,275/year) in Ankeny. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school programs.
PTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Ankeny
- 1Research the Ankeny market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $43,275 to $53,323, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Ankeny, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Ankeny for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Ankeny's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Assistant Compensation Range
The physical therapist assistant wage spread in Ankeny is $37,673 ( 87.05%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,275, experienced hygienists can earn up to $80,948.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,510
2025 BLS Actual
$42,125
2026 Current Est.
$43,275
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Ankeny (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,510 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,854 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,888 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,235 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,149 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,782 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,125 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,275 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,456 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Ankeny, IA grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,510 in 2019 to $42,125 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $44,456. New graduates entering the Ankeny job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ankeny metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.73% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Ankeny
In Ankeny, several employers are actively seeking entry-level candidates for physical therapist assistant positions. Outpatient rehabilitation facilities historically hire the majority of newly graduated PTAs, while skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), despite recent reduction in reimbursements, continue to recruit fresh talent. Home health agencies generally prefer candidates with some prior clinical experience, making it beneficial for new grads to gain exposure through internships or volunteer opportunities. To enhance starting pay, it's advantageous for aspiring PTAs to complete a CAPTE-accredited associate degree, pass the NPTAE national exam, and maintain their state PTA license. Moreover, pursuing additional certifications through the APTA can further augment earning potential. Given that PTAs must work under the supervision of licensed physical therapists, understanding the evolving reimbursement landscape—especially the 15% cut in Medicare Part B for PTA services—will be essential in strategizing for realistic salary growth, typically ranging from entry-level to mid-tier earnings over the first few years.
More salary data for Ankeny, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Ankeny in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Ankeny?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Ankeny?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Ankeny?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Iowa?
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Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Ankeny. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ankeny is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.73%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapist assistants (SOC 31-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov