Physical Therapist Salary in Council Bluffs, IA: $96,460 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Council Bluffs, IA earns a median $96,460/year (≈ $46.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Council Bluffs's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $106,704 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Council Bluffs, Iowa, the 2026 median annual physical therapist salary is projected to be $96,460, which reflects local market dynamics and the growing trend of cash-pay sports and orthopedic specialists that can significantly elevate earnings at the upper end of the spectrum. The salary range for this profession spans from $72,441 at the 10th percentile to $124,702 at the 90th percentile, indicating a substantial earning potential for highly experienced therapists. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, painting a comprehensive picture of physical therapist pay in Council Bluffs, IA. As the demand for specialized services continues to grow, this market may provide increasingly lucrative opportunities for savvy professionals.
About the Council Bluffs Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,441 | $34.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $80,475 | $38.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $96,460 | $46.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $114,978 | $55.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $124,702 | $59.95 |
Median Salary Position
8.38% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Council Bluffs
In Council Bluffs, IA, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,261 (2026 est.). At $96,460, the local median is 8.38% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Council Bluffs: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Council Bluffs Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Council Bluffs median: $96,460/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Council Bluffs Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $99,855 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -8.38% less |
Physical Therapists in Council Bluffs, IA earn a median of $96,460 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.38% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 3.40% below the Iowa state average of $99,855.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Council Bluffs 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.
Council Bluffs, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $96,460 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $106,704 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$81,941
2025 BLS Actual
$94,144
2026 Current Est.
$96,460
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Council Bluffs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $81,941 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,379 | Actual |
| 2021 | $87,603 | Actual |
| 2022 | $89,527 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,350 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,079 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,144 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,460 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,833 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Council Bluffs metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $81,941 (2019) to $94,144 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $98,833 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,892 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Council Bluffs 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) | $72,441 – $80,475 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $80,475 – $96,460 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $96,460 – $114,978 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $114,978 – $124,702 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Council Bluffs
The job market for physical therapists in Council Bluffs is relatively stable, with only 12 employed in the area. The cost-of-living index at 90.4 suggests that while salaries are lower than the national average, the purchasing power remains reasonable given local expenses. Among employers, outpatient orthopedic clinics, particularly chains like ATI and Athletico, often offer competitive compensation and productivity bonuses, albeit typically lower than hospital systems. Factors influencing the salary differential include clinic productivity expectations, specialty certification stipends, and practice models—cash-pay practices tend to offer higher rates compared to traditional insurance-based systems. For those looking to enhance their earning potential in this market, pursuing board certifications such as OCS or SCS and valuing productivity could be beneficial strategies. Additionally, considering opportunities with travel PT agencies may afford better compensation temporarily while building a diverse skill set.
More salary data for Council Bluffs, 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 $94,144 for physical therapistsin the Council Bluffs 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 Council Bluffs 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