Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in North Liberty, IA: $41,824 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the North Liberty, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $41,824 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out North Liberty's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $46,265 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($58,931) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting physical therapist assistant salary in North Liberty, IA, presents a realistic threshold for new grads at $41,824, significantly below the city median of $58,931. This initial pay indicates a gap that may require early-career professionals to build experience and specialized skills to enhance their earnings. As entry-level PTAs progress in their careers, they can expect to see growth in their salaries, potentially reaching $54,945 after several years of experience. North Liberty currently offers a modest market for fresh graduates, encouraging entry into the field despite the challenges posed by recent changes in reimbursement rates that might impact pay in certain settings.
About the North Liberty Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in North Liberty
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 North Liberty
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in North Liberty, IA typically start between $41,824 and $54,945 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $32,528 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $58,931 — 16.11% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Iowa of $18,000 represents just 43.04% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($41,824/year) in North Liberty. 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 North Liberty
- 1Research the North Liberty market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $41,824 to $54,945, 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 North Liberty, 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 North Liberty for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5North Liberty'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 North Liberty is $32,528 ( 77.77%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $41,824, experienced hygienists can earn up to $74,352.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$28,520
2025 BLS Actual
$40,713
2026 Current Est.
$41,824
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in North Liberty (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,520 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,853 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,786 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,953 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,904 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,531 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,713 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,824 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,966 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in North Liberty, IA grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,520 in 2019 to $40,713 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $42,966. New graduates entering the North Liberty job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Liberty 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 North Liberty
Employers within North Liberty that typically hire newly licensed physical therapist assistants include outpatient chains, which actively look for recent graduates. Alternatively, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continue to recruit despite receiving reduced reimbursements from Medicare, while home health agencies often prefer applicants with 1-2 years of clinical experience. For those aiming to boost their new grad physical therapist assistant pay in IA, obtaining an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTAE national exam, and securing a state PTA license are essential. Continuing education and pursuing advanced proficiency credentials through APTA can also enhance career prospects. Over the first few years, aspiring PTAs should focus on building their skill set under the supervision of licensed physical therapists, as this will be vital in adapting to the evolving regulatory landscape, including the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut that came into effect in 2022. Realistically, a salary increase in the first three years could average around 4% to 5% annually for those who prioritize professional development and gain relevant experience.
More salary data for North Liberty, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in North Liberty in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in North Liberty?
Is physical therapy school worth it in North Liberty?
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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 North Liberty. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for North Liberty 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