Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Mason City, IA: $73,905 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Mason City, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $73,905/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Mason City's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $81,753 in average-cost America. The 25% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mason City, IA, the potential for senior physical therapist assistants to command top pay in 2026 is significant, with the highest earners (P90) making $73,905 annually and those at the P75 tier earning $66,562. This earnings capacity presents a notable premium over the median annual salary of $59,163, illustrating the extensive experience and specialized skills required to achieve such compensation in this market. Achieving this level of income typically involves obtaining advanced credentials and significant field experience, often including roles that focus on high-demand specialties.
About the Mason City Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mason City
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Mason City earn between $66,562 and $73,905 per year (2026 est.). This $30,990 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Mason City median of $59,163 sits 15.78% below the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Mason City | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $59,163 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,562 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $73,905 | $91,954 |
In Mason City, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 24.92% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Mason City
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $59,163 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Mason City employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Mason City command premium compensation, often reaching the $66,562–$73,905 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Mason City 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 Mason City 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 Mason City
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMason City ranks #19 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $73,905).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Mason City ($73,905) is 12.45% below the Iowa average P90 ($84,416).
2019 BLS Actual
$64,973
2025 BLS Actual
$71,941
2026 Current Est.
$73,905
2019–2027 Growth
+16.9%
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 | $64,973 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,283 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,434 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,501 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,394 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,575 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,941 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,905 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,923 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Mason City saw their compensation grow 10.7% from $64,973 in 2019 to $71,941 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 $75,923 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Physical Therapist Assistant Earnings in Mason City
Earning potential for experienced physical therapist assistants in Mason City is significantly influenced by specialization and employer type. For instance, PTAs who focus on orthopedic or geriatric rehabilitation may see higher salaries, with skilled nursing facilities often compensating at different rates than outpatient clinics or pediatric therapy settings. Positions in outpatient orthopedic clinics, both chains and private, tend to offer attractive pay scales, while home health agencies may present variations in salary tied to the operational demands and patient loads. Advancement opportunities are also present, such as becoming a lead PTA, supervisor of clinic operations, or even transitioning to faculty roles at the associate level through PTA-to-DPT bridge programs. Additionally, achieving advanced credentials like a state PTA license and certifications from the APTA can further elevate salary prospects, especially in light of the challenges posed by recent changes to Medicare reimbursement that have impacted earnings in heavily-utilized settings like skilled nursing facilities.
More salary data for Mason City, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Mason City in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Mason City?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Mason City?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Mason City?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Mason City?
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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 $71,941 for physical therapist assistants in the Mason City 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
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