Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Clinton, IA: $44,293 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Clinton, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,293 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Clinton's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,997 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($58,640) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Clinton, Iowa, the entry-level physical therapist assistant salary stands at $44,293 in 2026, which is notably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $58,640. For new graduates, this initial pay reflects the starting phase of their careers, with expectations for salary growth over the next few years. As they gain experience, many PTAs can progress through the salary range, moving from the 25th percentile at approximately $52,990 toward the median. With a positive growth rate of 2.73%, newcomers can anticipate upward mobility, positioning Clinton as a relatively viable market for new PTAs despite the competitive landscape presented by national averages.
About the Clinton Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Clinton
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 Clinton
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Clinton, IA typically start between $44,293 and $52,990 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $29,146 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $58,640 — 16.52% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Iowa of $18,000 represents just 40.64% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($44,293/year) in Clinton. 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 Clinton
- 1Research the Clinton market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $44,293 to $52,990, 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 Clinton, 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 Clinton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Clinton'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 Clinton is $29,146 ( 65.80%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,293, experienced hygienists can earn up to $73,439.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,204
2025 BLS Actual
$43,116
2026 Current Est.
$44,293
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Clinton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,204 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,556 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,662 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,134 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,023 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,672 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,116 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,293 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,502 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Clinton, IA grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,204 in 2019 to $43,116 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,502. New graduates entering the Clinton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clinton 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 Clinton
Looking at employment opportunities, a range of employers in Clinton typically hire new graduates, with outpatient physical therapy clinics bringing on many of these candidates. While skilled nursing facilities continue to recruit PTAs, recent Medicare cuts pose challenges, as reimbursement reductions affect starting pay and compensation structures. Credentials necessary to advance in this field include an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, successful passing of the NPTAE exam, and obtaining a state PTA license. Additionally, PTAs may benefit from advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA. For new professionals, realistic salary growth expectations in the initial years hinge on gaining experience and navigating a system constrained by regulations and reimbursement changes, especially in heavily Medicare-reliant environments. Understanding these dynamics is crucial as they embark on their careers in Clinton, IA.
More salary data for Clinton, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Clinton in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Clinton?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Clinton?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Clinton?
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 Clinton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Clinton 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