Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Mason City, IA: $59,163 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Mason City, IA earns a median $59,163/year (≈ $28.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Mason City's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $65,446 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mason City, Iowa, physical therapist assistants can expect to earn a median annual salary of $59,163 in 2026, which reflects local market adjustments based on state-level data and regional price parity. The salary range for these positions extends from $42,915 at the 10th percentile to $73,905 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a wide spectrum of potential earnings. However, when compared to the national median salary of $70,247 for similar roles, the local figures suggest that while the job remains viable, it falls short by approximately 15.78%, particularly influenced by the structural challenges following the 15% Medicare cut affecting service reimbursement. As Mason City continues to adapt to these changes in the healthcare landscape, the dynamics of pay in outpatient settings versus skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are particularly noteworthy for job seekers in this field.
About the Mason City Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,915 | $20.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,341 | $25.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,163 | $28.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,562 | $32.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73,905 | $35.53 |
Median Salary Position
15.78% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mason City
In Mason City, IA, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,990 (2026 est.). At $59,163, the local median is 15.78% below the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mason City: You'd be above the median
How Mason City Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Mason City median: $59,163/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mason City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $62,474 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -15.78% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Mason City, IA earn a median of $59,163 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.78% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 5.30% below the Iowa state average of $62,474.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mason City has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Mason City, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $59,163 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,446 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,514
2025 BLS Actual
$57,591
2026 Current Est.
$59,163
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Mason City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,514 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,339 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,527 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,866 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,969 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,352 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,591 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,163 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,778 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mason City metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $49,514 (2019) to $57,591 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,778 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,264 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mason City 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $42,915 – $52,341 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,341 – $59,163 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,163 – $66,562 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,562 – $73,905 |
PTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Assistant Job Market in Mason City
Employment opportunities for physical therapist assistants in Mason City are limited, with only four professionals currently in the area. The cost-of-living index here stands at 90.4, suggesting that while salaries may be lower compared to national averages, the relative affordability enhances purchasing power for residents. Outpatient orthopedic clinics generally offer the most competitive pay compared to skilled nursing facilities, which have felt the brunt of the recent Medicare reimbursement cuts. The gap in pay scales in Mason City stems from various factors such as setting, productivity expectations, and additional premiums for weekend or PRN work. To maximize their earning potential, physical therapist assistants in Mason City should consider opportunities in outpatient clinics that emphasize productivity, pursue additional certifications, and explore roles that support advancement toward a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) pathway. Crafting a strategic career plan within this localized market can significantly influence long-term earnings in this evolving sector.
More salary data for Mason City, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Mason City, IA in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Mason City?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $57,591 for physical therapist assistantsin the Mason City metropolitan area. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Mason City 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