Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in North Liberty, IA: $74,352 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in North Liberty, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $74,352/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back North Liberty's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $82,248 in average-cost America. The 26% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Achieving a top physical therapist assistant salary in North Liberty, IA, requires advanced skills and specialized knowledge. In 2026, senior PTAs can expect to earn about $74,352 at the 90th percentile, a commanding figure that reflects the expertise and dedication needed to reach this level. Even at the 75th percentile, the salary of $67,133 showcases a significant gap compared to the median annual salary of $58,931. Closing that gap involves continuous professional development, seeking additional credentials, and excelling in high-demand areas, allowing experienced professionals to maximize their earning potential.
About the North Liberty Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in North Liberty
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in North Liberty earn between $67,133 and $74,352 per year (2026 est.). This $32,528 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The North Liberty median of $58,931 sits 16.11% below the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | North Liberty | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $58,931 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,133 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $74,352 | $91,954 |
In North Liberty, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 26.17% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in North Liberty
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $58,931 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by North Liberty employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in North Liberty command premium compensation, often reaching the $67,133–$74,352 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the North Liberty 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 North Liberty 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 North Liberty
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedNorth Liberty ranks #17 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $74,352).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in North Liberty ($74,352) is 11.92% below the Iowa average P90 ($84,416).
2019 BLS Actual
$65,366
2025 BLS Actual
$72,376
2026 Current Est.
$74,352
2019–2027 Growth
+16.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in North Liberty (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,366 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,684 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,824 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,915 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,826 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,914 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,376 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,352 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,382 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in North Liberty saw their compensation grow 10.7% from $65,366 in 2019 to $72,376 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 $76,382 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Liberty 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 North Liberty
The landscape for senior physical therapist assistants in North Liberty varies significantly depending on the type of employer. Specializations like orthopedic, geriatric, and pediatric therapy command higher salaries, with outpatient clinics typically offering more competitive pay compared to skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies, which may be impacted by the CMS 15% cut in reimbursement. Career advancement opportunities like leading a PTA team, transitioning to PTA program faculty, or pursuing a PTA-to-DPT bridge can further enhance compensation. Achieving advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA, coupled with solid experience and educational background from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, can significantly influence earning potential. Moreover, factors such as the setting and productivity expectations play crucial roles in compensation, making it essential for seasoned professionals to evaluate their career choices carefully.
More salary data for North Liberty, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in North Liberty in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in North Liberty?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in North Liberty?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in North Liberty?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in North Liberty?
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
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 $72,376 for physical therapist assistants in the North Liberty 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 North Liberty 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