Physical Therapist Salary in Cedar Falls, IA: $101,694 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Cedar Falls, IA earns a median $101,694/year (≈ $48.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Cedar Falls's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $112,493 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% above the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For physical therapists in Cedar Falls, Iowa, the projected median annual salary in 2026 is set at $101,694, which reflects a slight dip of 3.41% when compared to the national median of $105,288. The salary range spans from $75,299 at the 10th percentile to $126,451 at the 90th percentile, indicating that while many therapists earn a comfortable income, there is notable variability based on factors such as experience and setting. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, giving prospective therapists a clear picture of the local market. The job market in Cedar Falls is selective, consisting of only eight physical therapists currently employed, which suggests competitive pressure regarding productivity expectations that influence compensation.
About the Cedar Falls Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,299 | $36.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $89,563 | $43.06 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $101,694 | $48.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $116,769 | $56.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $126,451 | $60.79 |
Median Salary Position
3.41% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cedar Falls
In Cedar Falls, IA, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,152 (2026 est.). At $101,694, the local median is 3.41% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cedar Falls: You'd be above the median
How Cedar Falls Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Cedar Falls median: $101,694/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cedar Falls Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $99,895 | +1.80% more |
| National Average | $105,288 | -3.41% less |
Physical Therapists in Cedar Falls, IA earn a median of $101,694 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.41% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 1.80% above the Iowa state average of $99,895.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cedar Falls has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cedar Falls, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $101,694 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $112,493 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$86,387
2025 BLS Actual
$99,252
2026 Current Est.
$101,694
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Cedar Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $86,387 | Actual |
| 2020 | $87,903 | Actual |
| 2021 | $92,356 | Actual |
| 2022 | $94,384 | Actual |
| 2023 | $96,306 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,019 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,252 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $101,694 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $104,195 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cedar Falls metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $86,387 (2019) to $99,252 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $104,195 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,808 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cedar Falls 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $75,299 – $89,563 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $89,563 – $101,694 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $101,694 – $116,769 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $116,769 – $126,451 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Cedar Falls
Delving into the local job market dynamics shows that Cedar Falls has a cost-of-living index of 90.4, hinting that take-home pay may stretch further than in many other regions. This reality adds a significant layer to the physical therapist pay in Cedar Falls, IA, as it allows practitioners to afford a decent lifestyle even on local salaries that might seem modest compared to national standards. Opportunities for higher pay often exist within specific settings such as hospital inpatient rehab facilities, outpatient orthopedic clinics, or even travel PT options that can command premiums due to their flexibility. Factors driving the wages include expected productivity levels, board-certified credentials (like OCS or SCS), and a clinic's cash-pay versus insurance model. To optimize earnings, physical therapists in Cedar Falls should focus on enhancing their productivity while considering specialization and potential leadership roles within their clinics.
More salary data for Cedar Falls, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $99,252 for physical therapistsin the Cedar Falls metropolitan area. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cedar Falls 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 2.46%, 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