Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Waterloo, IA: $47.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Waterloo, IA runs $47.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,571 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Waterloo's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.1, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $54.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,741 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in Waterloo, IA, earn a median hourly pay of $47.87, which positions them slightly below the national median of $50.62. This rate provides a solid foundation for those considering part-time work or per-diem positions, often found within settings such as outpatient clinics, hospital rehabilitation units, and home health visits. For therapists who may choose to work three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a viable income, while per-diem opportunities typically allow for flexible schedules that cater to varying work environments, like skilled nursing facilities and sports performance centers. Entry-level positions start at around $36.88 per hour, while seasoned professionals can reach up to $58.74, reflecting the competitive nature of the job market in this region based on the official Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.88 | $295.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.16 | $329.27 |
| Median (P50) | $47.87 | $382.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.75 | $414.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.74 | $469.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waterloo
Based on $47.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.87/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waterloo, IA can expect to earn approximately $99,568 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,443. With a cost-of-living index of 87.06 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waterloo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waterloo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,914.77 | $8,297 | $99,568 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,148.86 | $4,978 | $59,741 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $765.91 | $3,319 | $39,827 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Waterloo) | $47.87 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Chiropractor (National Avg) | $36.85 |
| Exercise Physiologist (National Avg) | $26.75 |
Physical Therapists in Waterloo, IA earn a median of $99,571 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.43% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 0.30% below the Iowa state average of $99,870.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.87/hr = $59,741/year (purchasing power: $68,623).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,568/year (purchasing power: $114,371).
CoL index: 87.057 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Waterloo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Waterloo grew 18.7% from $39.36/hr (2019) to $46.72/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.05/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waterloo 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 2.46% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist in Waterloo
When examining the earning potential for part-time physical therapists in Waterloo, working a standard 24-hour week could yield an annual take-home income significantly lower than that of their full-time counterparts. Per-diem physical therapists generally command rates between $50 and $75 hourly, yet travel contracts can be even more lucrative, ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, often inclusive of mileage and housing stipends for out-of-area assignments. Across various employer types in the area, wages can differ substantially; outpatient orthopedic clinics, for instance, may pay less than hospital systems that provide broader benefits. While accepting lower hourly rates for positions that offer health insurance may seem less attractive at first glance, many therapists find it a favorable trade-off for job security and added benefits. Understanding local market trends can markedly impact the negotiation process—therapists should come prepared with competitive data and consider the unique benefits each position offers beyond just the hourly wage in their quest for the best possible compensation.
More salary data for Waterloo, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Waterloo in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapists in Waterloo. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.46%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapists (SOC 29-1123).
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov