Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA: $78,301 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Cedar Rapids, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $78,301/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Cedar Rapids's price premium (BEA RPP 89.0, 11% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $88,015 in average-cost America. The 31% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Cedar Rapids, the prospects for experienced physical therapist assistants are notably promising. With the 2026 projected top-tier salary reaching $78,301, individuals with extensive experience can significantly elevate their earning potential, moving far beyond the median annual salary of $59,768. The gap between these two figures highlights the rewarding nature of long-term dedication and expertise in the field. Achieving such top physical therapist assistant salary in Cedar Rapids generally requires a combination of advanced clinical skills, potential specializations, and a strong professional network to move into higher-paying roles within the healthcare system.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cedar Rapids
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Cedar Rapids earn between $65,644 and $78,301 per year (2026 est.). This $44,092 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Cedar Rapids median of $59,768 sits 14.92% below the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Cedar Rapids | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $59,768 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,644 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $78,301 | $91,954 |
In Cedar Rapids, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 31.01% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Cedar Rapids
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $59,768 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Cedar Rapids employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Cedar Rapids command premium compensation, often reaching the $65,644–$78,301 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Cedar Rapids metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced physical therapist assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured physical therapist assistants in Cedar Rapids with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Physical Therapist Assistants in Iowa who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Physical Therapist Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Cedar Rapids
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCedar Rapids ranks #7 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $78,301).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Cedar Rapids ($78,301) is 7.24% below the Iowa average P90 ($84,416).
2019 BLS Actual
$81,270
2025 BLS Actual
$76,220
2026 Current Est.
$78,301
2019–2027 Growth
+-1.0%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Cedar Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $81,270 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,850 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,110 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,440 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,730 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,490 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,220 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,301 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,438 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids saw their compensation grow -6.2% from $81,270 in 2019 to $76,220 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.73% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $80,438 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cedar Rapids 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.
Maximizing Your Physical Therapist Assistant Earnings in Cedar Rapids
Specialized skills can significantly influence compensation, especially for senior physical therapist assistants in Cedar Rapids. Areas like orthopedic, geriatric, and sports medicine rehabilitation tend to command premium wages. Different employer types also impact pay scales: outpatient clinics may offer higher compensation than skilled nursing facilities, which have been affected by the 15% Medicare Part B reimbursement cut and may offer less favorable salary conditions. Pursuing leadership positions, such as a clinic operations supervisor or regional clinical educator, further enhances earning potential. Additionally, advanced credentials and an associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program are crucial. Participating in PTA-to-DPT bridge programs can also elevate a career, enabling movement into physical therapy roles with higher salaries and responsibilities. Overall, strategic career planning and continued education are essential for maximizing senior physical therapist assistant pay in IA.
More salary data for Cedar Rapids, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Cedar Rapids in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Cedar Rapids?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Cedar Rapids?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Cedar Rapids?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Cedar Rapids?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $76,220 for physical therapist assistants in the Cedar Rapids metro area. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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