Physical Therapist Salary in West Des Moines, IA: $98,902 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in West Des Moines, IA earns a median $98,902/year (≈ $47.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in West Des Moines's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $109,405 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in West Des Moines, Iowa can expect to earn a median annual salary of $98,902, reflecting the growing demand for these healthcare professionals in the region. The salary range is quite varied, from $76,516 at the 10th percentile to $129,900 at the 90th percentile, indicating that experience and specialty can significantly influence earnings. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional economic conditions, suggest that while the local median is lower than the national average of $105,288, the potential for higher earnings exists based on productivity expectations and the specific practice settings employed. As healthcare dynamics evolve, the ability of physical therapists to manage patient visits effectively will be crucial in determining overall compensation in this market.
About the West Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,516 | $36.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,724 | $39.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $98,902 | $47.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $117,251 | $56.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $129,900 | $62.45 |
Median Salary Position
6.07% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in West Des Moines
In West Des Moines, IA, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,384 (2026 est.). At $98,902, the local median is 6.07% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in West Des Moines: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How West Des Moines Physical Therapist Pay Compares
West Des Moines median: $98,902/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | West Des Moines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $99,901 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -6.07% less |
Physical Therapists in West Des Moines, IA earn a median of $98,902 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.07% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 1.00% below the Iowa state average of $99,901.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
West Des Moines 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.
West Des Moines, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $98,902 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $109,405 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$84,015
2025 BLS Actual
$96,527
2026 Current Est.
$98,902
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in West Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,015 | Actual |
| 2020 | $85,490 | Actual |
| 2021 | $89,820 | Actual |
| 2022 | $91,793 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,662 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,972 | Actual |
| 2025 | $96,527 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,902 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,335 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the West Des Moines metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $84,015 (2019) to $96,527 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $101,335 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,320 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the West Des Moines 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) | $76,516 – $81,724 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,724 – $98,902 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $98,902 – $117,251 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $117,251 – $129,900 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in West Des Moines
The job market for physical therapists in West Des Moines is comprised of approximately 16 professionals, indicating a specialized yet competitive environment. With a cost of living index at 90.4, the local economic conditions allow for a more favorable purchasing power compared to many other regions. Employers that typically provide the highest pay include outpatient orthopedic clinics like Athletico and hospital inpatient rehab facilities, where productivity demands are evident. Factors such as board certification in specialties like the Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) can boost salaries, while clinic ownership can offer additional financial incentives. Moreover, understanding the nuances between cash-pay and insurance-based practice models can also lead to enhanced earnings. To maximize pay in this local context, aspiring physical therapists should consider obtaining specialty certifications, staying informed on reimbursement trends, and seeking opportunities within high-paying environments.
More salary data for West Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in West Des Moines, IA in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in West Des Moines?
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Career Resources
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 $96,527 for physical therapistsin the West Des Moines 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 West Des Moines 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