Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Ottumwa, IA: $27.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Ottumwa, IA runs $27.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,142 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Ottumwa's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,885 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ottumwa, Iowa, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $27.95, considerably lower than the national hourly median of $33.77. This discrepancy indicates a more localized wage structure that may affect part-time employees or per-diem workers who typically operate in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health settings. For instance, a PTA working three days a week can expect to earn a prorated income that reflects their hourly commitment. The hourly earnings span from $21.57 at the lower end of the scale to $34.56 for top-tier professionals in the area, marking a clear pathway for career advancement within this essential healthcare role. The projected figures for 2026 suggest that while entry-level positions may provide a modest income, experienced PTAs can significantly increase their earnings through skill enhancement and additional certifications.
About the Ottumwa Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.57 | $172.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.60 | $204.80 |
| Median (P50) | $27.95 | $223.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.40 | $251.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.56 | $276.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ottumwa
Based on $27.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.95/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ottumwa, IA can expect to earn approximately $58,142 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,543. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ottumwa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ottumwa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,118.11 | $4,845 | $58,142 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $670.87 | $2,907 | $34,885 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $447.25 | $1,938 | $23,257 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Ottumwa) | $27.95 |
| 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 Ottumwa, IA earn a median of $58,142 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.23% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 7.00% below the Iowa state average of $62,518.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.95/hr = $34,885/year (purchasing power: $38,590).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,142/year (purchasing power: $64,316).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Ottumwa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Ottumwa grew 16.3% from $23.39/hr (2019) to $27.21/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.72/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 Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa
When considering annual earnings, a physical therapist assistant in Ottumwa, working part-time for 24 hours per week, would earn around $34,915, a figure that contrasts sharply with full-time counterparts. In addition to consistent hourly work, many PTAs explore per diem or agency opportunities, which often offer rates between $32 and $48 per hour. Travel PA contracts can yield even higher earnings, ranging from $1,200 to $1,800 weekly, although it's essential to be aware of market fluctuations, especially since the Medicare payment adjustments in 2022 affected salaries in skilled nursing facilities. Hourly wages can vary based on settings; outpatient clinics and hospital inpatient rehabilitation units may offer different compensation levels than pediatric therapy or home health agencies. Some PTAs may choose lower-paying positions with benefits, which can provide essential security. Negotiating effectively is key, particularly in Ottumwa's diverse settings, where understanding the specific compensation landscape can help PTAs advocate for fairer wages that reflect their specialized skills.
More salary data for Ottumwa, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Ottumwa in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Ottumwa?
Are physical therapist assistants in Ottumwa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Ottumwa?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Ottumwa?
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Career Resources
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 Ottumwa. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ottumwa 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