Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Ottumwa, IA: $71,887 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Ottumwa, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $71,887/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Ottumwa's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $79,521 in average-cost America. The 24% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Exceptional financial opportunities exist for seasoned physical therapist assistants in Ottumwa, Iowa, particularly those capable of rising to the top tier of compensation. In 2026, professionals within this experienced category can expect to earn a median annual salary of $58,142, with the potential to reach as high as $71,887 for the top 10% of earners. This marks a notable opportunity for those who document over seven years in the field, as there exists a considerable salary gap between the median pay and the top earners. Advanced clinical skills, complemented by specialties in areas such as orthopedic and geriatric rehabilitation, are essential for APS practitioners looking to maximize their earning potential and justify this expanded salary range.
About the Ottumwa Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ottumwa
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Ottumwa earn between $65,325 and $71,887 per year (2026 est.). This $27,004 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Ottumwa median of $58,142 sits 17.23% below the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Ottumwa | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $58,142 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,325 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $71,887 | $91,954 |
In Ottumwa, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 23.64% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Ottumwa
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $58,142 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Ottumwa employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Ottumwa command premium compensation, often reaching the $65,325–$71,887 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedOttumwa ranks #23 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $71,887).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Ottumwa ($71,887) is 14.84% below the Iowa average P90 ($84,416).
2019 BLS Actual
$63,199
2025 BLS Actual
$69,977
2026 Current Est.
$71,887
2019–2027 Growth
+16.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Ottumwa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,199 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,473 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,675 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,631 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,445 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,756 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,977 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,887 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,850 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Ottumwa saw their compensation grow 10.7% from $63,199 in 2019 to $69,977 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 $73,850 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa
A closer examination of the senior physical therapist assistant pay in IA reveals that specialization plays a significant role in influencing compensation structures. Areas such as sports medicine, pediatric therapy, and home health care typically garner higher earnings, particularly in outpatient orthopedic clinics compared to skilled nursing facilities, which have felt the effects of the 15% Medicare cut that began in 2022 on PTA-provided services. Opportunities to ascend to leadership positions—such as lead PTA, clinic operations supervisor, or even faculty roles in PTA education programs—are accessible to those who pursue advanced qualifications. Every credential counts, with an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTAE exam, and obtaining a state PTA license being essential milestones. Non-salary compensation factors, like productivity expectations and employer type, further enhance the financial experience for committed professionals in Ottumwa, making this field a lucrative choice for skilled individuals ready to invest in their career progression.
More salary data for Ottumwa, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Ottumwa in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Ottumwa?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Ottumwa?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Ottumwa?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Ottumwa?
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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 $69,977 for physical therapist assistants in the Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa 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