Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Urbandale, IA: $28.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Urbandale, IA runs $28.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,707 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Urbandale's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,821 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Urbandale, IA, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to be $28.70 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national hourly median of $33.77, indicating that PTAs in the region may find themselves at a relative disadvantage compared to their peers nationwide. For those looking to work part-time, such as three days a week, the hourly rate could yield around $1,225 monthly before taxes, making it a viable option for individuals balancing other commitments. Per-diem positions, often found in outpatient clinics or skilled nursing facilities, typically accommodate various work schedules, allowing flexibility and the ability to adjust hours based on demand. The hourly pay range for physical therapist assistants in Urbandale spans from approximately $21.21 (entry-level) to $36.28 (top earners), showcasing opportunities for growth within the profession, albeit framed within the context of local economic factors.
About the Urbandale 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) | $21.21 | $169.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.71 | $205.71 |
| Median (P50) | $28.70 | $229.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.62 | $260.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.28 | $290.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Urbandale
Based on $28.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.70/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Urbandale, IA can expect to earn approximately $59,702 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,443. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Urbandale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Urbandale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,148.11 | $4,975 | $59,702 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $688.87 | $2,985 | $35,821 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $459.24 | $1,990 | $23,881 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Urbandale) | $28.70 |
| 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 Urbandale, IA earn a median of $59,707 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.00% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 4.50% below the Iowa state average of $62,520.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.70/hr = $35,821/year (purchasing power: $39,625).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,702/year (purchasing power: $66,042).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Urbandale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Urbandale grew 16.3% from $24.02/hr (2019) to $27.94/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.49/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 Urbandale 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 Urbandale
Effects from the 2022 Medicare reimbursement cuts have shaped the job market for physical therapist assistants, particularly influencing part-time opportunities. A PTA working 24 hours a week would earn approximately $27,168 annually, while full-time PTAs could see income significantly higher due to a full schedule. Per diem physical therapist assistants in Urbandale often see pay rates between $32 and $48 per hour, especially in versatile healthcare settings, suggesting a potential for greater earning flexibility while on contract. Rates can vary by employer, with outpatient orthopedic practices generally offering lower pay compared to skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies where demand drives compensation. While many may prefer a higher hourly rate, some PTAs may settle for slightly lower offers in exchange for benefits such as health insurance. For those negotiating hourly pay, it's crucial to understand local market trends, where highlighting specific skills or specialized training can result in better compensation packages tailored to the diverse work environments present in Urbandale.
More salary data for Urbandale, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Urbandale in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Urbandale?
Are physical therapist assistants in Urbandale paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Urbandale?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Urbandale?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
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 Urbandale. 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 Urbandale 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