Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Des Moines, IA: $46,999 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Des Moines, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,999 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Des Moines's local price level (BEA RPP 91.7 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,252 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,035) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the physical therapist assistant field in Des Moines, IA, can expect a starting salary around $46,999, significantly lower than the city’s median for this role of $63,035. This entry-level pay does close the gap over time, with a potential rise to $56,091 as early-career professionals gain experience. While the growth trajectory appears promising, it’s essential for freshly minted PTAs to assess the local market and consider the economic factors impacting opportunities. With a projected annual growth rate of 2.73%, Des Moines presents a relatively stable environment for new graduates looking to establish their careers in physical therapy support.
Career Earnings Timeline in Des Moines
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 Des Moines
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Des Moines, IA typically start between $46,999 and $56,091 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $52,002 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,035 — 10.27% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Iowa of $18,000 represents just 38.30% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($46,999/year) in Des Moines. 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 Des Moines
- 1Research the Des Moines market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $46,999 to $56,091, 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 Des Moines, 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 Des Moines for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Des Moines'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 Des Moines is $52,002 ( 110.64%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,999, experienced hygienists can earn up to $99,001.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,760
2025 BLS Actual
$45,750
2026 Current Est.
$46,999
2019–2027 Growth
+43.0%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,760 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,920 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,140 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,260 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,770 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,950 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,750 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,999 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,282 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Des Moines, IA grew 35.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,760 in 2019 to $45,750 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,282. New graduates entering the Des Moines job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines 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 Des Moines
Employers in Des Moines actively seek out newly certified PTAs, particularly outpatient therapy chains that hire most of the entry-level talent. Although skilled nursing facilities are still recruiting, the recent cuts to Medicare reimbursement rates have prompted them to tighten budgets, which may affect starting physical therapist assistant pay in such settings. New grads should aim to secure an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, pass the NPTAE national exam, and obtain their state PTA license. Engaging in continuing education and pursuing optional advanced proficiency credentials through APTA can further enhance earning potential. In light of the 15% reduction in Medicare Part B coverage for PTA services starting in 2022, new professionals should set realistic salary growth expectations for their first three years, recognizing that working under a licensed physical therapist is mandatory in both private and Medicare-reliant settings as they gain hands-on experience.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Des Moines in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Des Moines?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Des Moines?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Des Moines?
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 Des Moines. 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