Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Des Moines, IA: $30.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Des Moines, IA runs $30.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,035 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Des Moines's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.7, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,821 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Des Moines, physical therapist assistants earn a median hourly rate of $30.31, which is notably lower than the national median of $33.77. This difference in pay can significantly affect part-time workers who typically operate on a 3-day workweek. For those working in various settings—from outpatient clinics to skilled nursing facilities—the hourly rate reflects the market dynamics and funding structures that influence reimbursements. Entry-level positions start at around $22.60 per hour, while experienced professionals can earn up to $47.59 per hour, showcasing a wide salary range for those in this field based on experience and specialty.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.60 | $180.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.97 | $215.73 |
| Median (P50) | $30.31 | $242.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.60 | $292.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.59 | $380.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Des Moines
Based on $30.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.31/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Des Moines, IA can expect to earn approximately $63,035 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,366. With a cost-of-living index of 91.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Des Moines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Des Moines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,212.21 | $5,253 | $63,035 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $727.33 | $3,152 | $37,821 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $484.89 | $2,101 | $25,214 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Des Moines) | $30.31 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Massage Therapist (National Avg) | $27.10 |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Des Moines, IA earn a median of $63,035 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.27% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 0.90% above the Iowa state average of $62,473.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.31/hr = $37,821/year (purchasing power: $41,244).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,035/year (purchasing power: $68,740).
CoL index: 91.701 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+19.6%
Hourly Rate 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 | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Des Moines grew 13.3% from $26.03/hr (2019) to $29.50/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.13/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapist assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist Assistant in Des Moines
For part-time physical therapist assistants working 24 hours a week, their annual income can amount to approximately $37,506, which is a considerable sum for those looking to balance work and personal commitments. In contrast, per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Des Moines typically ranges from $32 to $48 per hour, depending on the specific setting and demand. Travel contracts for these professionals can yield weekly payments between $1,200 to $1,800, providing flexibility and potentially higher earnings. Different employer types influence hourly rates; outpatient orthopedic clinics often provide more competitive pay compared to skilled nursing facilities, which have seen diminishing rates since the implementation of the Medicare cut. Many physical therapist assistants must weigh the benefits of employer-provided health insurance against the higher hourly rates available in less secure work environments. When negotiating, it's beneficial to assess local job offers carefully and consider asking for increased pay, especially if opting for positions lacking benefits.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Des Moines in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Des Moines?
Are physical therapist assistants in Des Moines paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Des Moines?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Des Moines?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapist assistants in Des Moines. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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