Des Moines vs North Liberty: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Des Moines, IA and North Liberty, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | North Liberty, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,196▲ | $94,195 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.18▲ | $45.29 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,368▲ | $72,100 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,749 | $84,291▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $108,679 | $109,900▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $123,700▲ | $119,382 |
| Total Employed | 740▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to North Liberty.
The salary gap between Des Moines and North Liberty is $6,001 (6.37%). Des Moines's median is -4.84% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $46,332,North Liberty spans $47,282. North Liberty has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Des Moines ($109,264 effective) pays 4.86% more than North Liberty ($104,198 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,196/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($123,700)
- ✓Larger job market (740 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,264)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose North Liberty if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Des Moines grew 17.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.4% growth in North Liberty over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$83,120 (2019) → $97,790 (2025)
North Liberty, IA
$73,316 (2024) → $91,933 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
North Liberty, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Des Moines or North Liberty?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and North Liberty?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to North Liberty as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Des Moines vs North Liberty?
Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov