Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Waukee, IA: $43,653 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Waukee, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,653 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Waukee's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,289 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($59,787) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting physical therapist assistant salary in Waukee, IA is projected to be around $43,653, a notable figure for recent graduates entering the workforce. This amount is significantly lower than the median annual salary for physical therapist assistants in the city, which stands at $59,787, creating a substantial gap for new professionals. As they gain experience, new graduates can look to advance their earnings toward the 25th percentile, where salaries reach approximately $53,120, and beyond to the median over the first few years of their careers. For those considering entry-level roles, Waukee presents a viable market, especially as the growing healthcare sector continues to demand qualified physical therapist assistants.
About the Waukee Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Waukee
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 Waukee
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Waukee, IA typically start between $43,653 and $53,120 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $27,795 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $59,787 — 14.89% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Iowa of $18,000 represents just 41.23% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($43,653/year) in Waukee. 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 Waukee
- 1Research the Waukee market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $43,653 to $53,120, 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 Waukee, 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 Waukee for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Waukee'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 Waukee is $27,795 ( 63.67%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,653, experienced hygienists can earn up to $71,448.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,767
2025 BLS Actual
$42,493
2026 Current Est.
$43,653
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Waukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,767 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,114 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,176 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,569 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,474 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,120 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,493 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,653 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,845 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Waukee, IA grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,767 in 2019 to $42,493 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $44,845. New graduates entering the Waukee job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waukee 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 Waukee
For new grad physical therapist assistant pay in IA, several pathways can enhance employment prospects and salaries. Typically, outpatient clinics and rehabilitation facilities recruit fresh graduates, but skilled nursing facilities also remain a source of opportunities, despite recent reimbursement cuts affecting PTA services. To boost starting salaries, obtaining credentials such as an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, successfully passing the NPTAE exam, and acquiring a state PTA license are essential. Continuing education through advanced proficiency credentials from the APTA can further enhance job prospects and salary potential. In the competitive market of Waukee, new PTAs working under licensed physical therapists might expect realistic salary growth in their first three years; however, careful consideration of facility types is vital, given the 15% cut in Medicare reimbursement for PTA services that can influence pay scales, particularly in settings reliant on Medicare funding.
More salary data for Waukee, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Waukee in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Waukee?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Waukee?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Waukee?
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 Waukee. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Waukee 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