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Physical Therapist Assistant in Iowa: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Allied healthcare

Iowa employs 1,060 physical therapist assistants, with a statewide median of $61,030 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Iowa licensing picture, and where to train.

What Physical therapist assistants Earn in Iowa (May 2025)

Iowa median pay: $61,030 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $45,760
Experienced (75th percentile): $66,150
Top earners (90th percentile): $74,950
Employed in Iowa: 1,060
U.S. median (for comparison): $65,510 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for physical therapist assistants in major Iowa markets:

Omaha: $63,470 (440 employed)
Waterloo: $62,850 (60 employed)
Des Moines: $61,360 (170 employed)
Davenport: $61,130 (140 employed)
Cedar Rapids: $58,180 (110 employed)
Iowa City: $58,140 (60 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Iowa

Prices in Iowa run about 12% below the national average (cost-of-living index 87.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $61,030 median stretches to roughly $69,510 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Iowa (2024–2034)

Iowa is projected to grow physical therapist assistants employment +28.2%, faster than the +22.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 210 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Iowa License and Certification Requirements

Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) — regulated by the Iowa Board of Physical & Occupational Therapy (DIAL).

Earn a CAPTE-accredited PTA associate degree.
Pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs.
Apply to the Iowa Board of Physical & Occupational Therapy.

Official requirements: Iowa Board of Physical & Occupational Therapy (DIAL) →

Training in Iowa

A 2-year associate leads to a well-paid, hands-on clinical role. Verify CAPTE accreditation and NPTE pass rates.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Iowa include:

Hawkeye Community College — Associate
Indian Hills Community College — Associate
Iowa Central Community College — Associate
Iowa Lakes Community College — Associate

Where Physical therapist assistants Work in Iowa

Real Iowa outpatient rehab clinics that employ physical therapist assistants include:

21st Century Rehabilitation PC — Altoona
Genesis Physical & Occupational Rehab Service — Ankeny
Advanced Rehab & Sports Medicine — Bettendorf
Pure Rehabilitation, LLC — Clarinda
Comprehensive Rehab Inc — Clinton
On With Life, Outpatient Neuro Rehabilitation — Coralville

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: People who like active work and helping patients make visible progress.

Think twice if: You need low-contact work or dislike repetitive coaching and physical assistance.

Why it's resilient: Rehab work is physical, relationship-based, adaptive, and centered on coaching real movement.

First Steps

Look for CAPTE-accredited PTA programs in your state.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do physical therapist assistants make in Iowa?

The median wage for physical therapist assistants in Iowa is $61,030 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $45,760, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $74,950. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Iowa?

Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), overseen by the Iowa Board of Physical & Occupational Therapy (DIAL). Earn a CAPTE-accredited PTA associate degree.

Is being a Physical Therapist Assistant a good career in Iowa?

Rehab work is physical, relationship-based, adaptive, and centered on coaching real movement.

Which Iowa metros pay physical therapist assistants the most?

Among Iowa metro areas, Omaha leads at $63,470, followed by Waterloo ($62,850), Des Moines ($61,360). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.

Where can I train to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Iowa?

Real Iowa options include Hawkeye Community College, Indian Hills Community College, Iowa Central Community College. Most physical therapist assistants start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Physical Therapist Assistant a growing career in Iowa?

Iowa projects physical therapist assistants employment to change +28.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 210 openings a year — a growing field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Iowa statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-2021. Licensing summary compiled from the Iowa Board of Physical & Occupational Therapy (DIAL) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.

BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Iowa wages · Iowa licensing/certification source

Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).

Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.