Physical Therapist Salary in Johnston, IA: $92,707 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Johnston, IA earns a median $92,707/year (≈ $44.57/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Johnston's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $102,552 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.2% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Johnston, Iowa, the projected median annual salary for physical therapists is $92,707 for 2026, which reflects a notable difference when compared to the national median of $105,288. With a salary range spanning from $76,352 at the 10th percentile to $117,693 at the 90th percentile, the earning potential varies significantly based on the employment sector. The compensation structure in this area largely hinges on whether physical therapists work in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, or hospitals, each presenting distinct pay scales and productivity expectations. These projections are drawn from 2025 BLS OEWS data, adjusted for local economic conditions, underscoring Johnston's rapidly evolving job market as the demand for physical therapists continues to grow in outpatient settings.
About the Johnston Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,352 | $36.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,142 | $39.01 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $92,707 | $44.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $108,561 | $52.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117,693 | $56.58 |
Median Salary Position
11.95% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Johnston
In Johnston, IA, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,341 (2026 est.). At $92,707, the local median is 11.95% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Johnston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Johnston Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Johnston median: $92,707/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Johnston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $99,900 | -7.20% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -11.95% less |
Physical Therapists in Johnston, IA earn a median of $92,707 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.95% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 7.20% below the Iowa state average of $99,900.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Johnston 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.
Johnston, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $92,707 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $102,552 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$78,753
2025 BLS Actual
$90,481
2026 Current Est.
$92,707
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Johnston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $78,753 | Actual |
| 2020 | $80,135 | Actual |
| 2021 | $84,194 | Actual |
| 2022 | $86,043 | Actual |
| 2023 | $87,795 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,159 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,481 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,707 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,987 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Johnston metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $78,753 (2019) to $90,481 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $94,987 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,234 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Johnston 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) | $76,352 – $81,142 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,142 – $92,707 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $92,707 – $108,561 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $108,561 – $117,693 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Johnston
With only four physical therapists currently employed in Johnston, the local market remains relatively small but poised for growth, particularly in outpatient orthopedic clinics and specialized practices. The cost of living index for the area is 90.4, indicating that the purchasing power for physical therapist salaries could be enhanced in a market where expenses are below the national average. Employers such as Athletico and Select Medical, along with local hospitals, may offer competitive wages when considering certifications like the OCS or SCS, which can elevate earnings further. As productivity benchmarks become more stringent due to pressures from CMS, physical therapists may find it beneficial to consider cash-pay models or seek additional board certifications to bolster their appeal. Acquiring specialized skills and understanding the dynamics of your employer's productivity expectations can be crucial strategies for maximizing physical therapist pay in Johnston, IA.
More salary data for Johnston, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Johnston, IA 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
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 $90,481 for physical therapistsin the Johnston 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 Johnston 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