Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Davenport, IA: $45,068 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Davenport, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,068 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Davenport's local price level (BEA RPP 89.1 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,593 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,799) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Prospective physical therapist assistants entering the field in Davenport can anticipate a starting salary reflective of the local job market dynamics. For 2026, the entry-level pay is projected to begin at around $45,068, significantly lower than the city's median annual salary for this profession, which stands at $62,799. This gap illustrates a common scenario where newcomers in the field need to build their experience before seeing substantial salary growth. Over the first three to five years, early-career PTAs might realistically progress from the initial salary range to approximately $59,830 as they gain expertise, ultimately moving towards the median as they establish themselves. Given the city's competitive healthcare environment, Davenport remains a promising location for new graduates to launch their careers in physical therapy.
Career Earnings Timeline in Davenport
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 Davenport
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Davenport, IA typically start between $45,068 and $59,830 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $51,087 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,799 — 10.6% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Iowa of $18,000 represents just 39.94% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($45,068/year) in Davenport. 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 Davenport
- 1Research the Davenport market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $45,068 to $59,830, 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 Davenport, 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 Davenport for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Davenport'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 Davenport is $51,087 ( 113.36%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,068, experienced hygienists can earn up to $96,155.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$43,180
2025 BLS Actual
$43,870
2026 Current Est.
$45,068
2019–2027 Growth
+7.2%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Davenport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,180 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,810 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,870 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,050 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,410 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,270 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,870 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,068 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,298 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Davenport, IA grew 1.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $43,180 in 2019 to $43,870 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $46,298. New graduates entering the Davenport job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Davenport 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 Davenport
In Davenport, employers most likely to hire new graduate physical therapist assistants include outpatient therapy chains and skilled nursing facilities, which continue to seek fresh talent despite recent reimbursement challenges. Home health agencies often prefer candidates with a year or two of clinic experience; however, those entering the field can find ample opportunities at other facilities. For new hires, achieving credentials such as an associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passing the NPTAE national exam, and obtaining a state PTA license are essential to securing a position. Early-career PTAs should be prepared for gradual increases in pay, with realistic expectations of upward movement in their salaries over the first few years, particularly in light of the 15% cut in Medicare reimbursements for PTA services that began in 2022. This context highlights the need for new grad physical therapist assistants in IA to stay informed about industry shifts and consider advanced proficiency credentials through APTA as they navigate the initial stages of their careers.
More salary data for Davenport, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Davenport in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Davenport?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Davenport?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Davenport?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Iowa?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 Davenport. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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