Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Johnston, IA: $44,538 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Johnston, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,538 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Johnston's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,268 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($58,001) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the physical therapist assistant field in Johnston, IA, can expect a starting pay around $44,538, signaling a realistic expectation as they launch their careers. While this figure is below the city median of $58,001, it allows for a gradual salary growth progression in the early professional years. As PTAs gain experience, salaries can rise to $52,941 at the 25th percentile within their first few years. Given that the overall market for physical therapist assistants is expected to grow at an annual rate of 2.73% over the next five years, Johnston appears to be a viable entry point for new graduates seeking opportunities in this evolving field.
About the Johnston Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Johnston
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 Johnston
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Johnston, IA typically start between $44,538 and $52,941 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $28,763 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $58,001 — 17.43% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Iowa of $18,000 represents just 40.41% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($44,538/year) in Johnston. 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 Johnston
- 1Research the Johnston market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $44,538 to $52,941, 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 Johnston, 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 Johnston for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Johnston'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 Johnston is $28,763 ( 64.58%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,538, experienced hygienists can earn up to $73,301.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,370
2025 BLS Actual
$43,354
2026 Current Est.
$44,538
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Johnston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,370 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,725 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,848 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,350 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,233 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,881 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,354 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,538 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,753 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Johnston, IA grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,370 in 2019 to $43,354 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,753. New graduates entering the Johnston job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Johnston 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 Johnston
Many employers in Johnston are actively looking for newly graduated physical therapist assistants, particularly outpatient rehabilitation chains that hire a significant number of new PTAs. While skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and home health agencies also recruit, the latter often prefer applicants with prior experience. To enhance starting pay, new graduates should focus on obtaining an associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTAE national exam, and acquiring state licensure. Additional credentials through APTA can provide further advantageous qualifications. In the context of shrinking reimbursement for services, particularly due to CMS's 15% cut to Medicare Part B for PTA-provided services, a solid foundation in the field is crucial. As they navigate the first few years, new graduates should realistically anticipate a salary increase that reflects their growing competencies while continuing to adapt to the changing demands of the healthcare market in Johnston.
More salary data for Johnston, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Johnston in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Johnston?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Johnston?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Johnston?
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 Johnston. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Johnston 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