Senior Physical Therapist Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA: $124,130 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapists working in Cedar Rapids, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $124,130/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1123. Strip back Cedar Rapids's price premium (BEA RPP 89.0, 11% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $139,530 in average-cost America. The 28% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Cedar Rapids, IA, the potential for senior physical therapists to earn a substantial salary is highlighted by the 2026 projected top earnings, with the 90th percentile (P90) reaching $124,130 and the 75th percentile (P75) at $107,173. This places the compensation for experienced physical therapist roles below the national top earners, with local median salaries reflecting an annual $96,845. There is an apparent experience premium for those who excel in their careers and specialize in fields such as orthopedics or sports therapy. Achieving top-tier pay often requires not only advanced clinical skills but also board certifications that increase one’s marketability and expertise in the community.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cedar Rapids
Experienced physical therapists at the top of the pay scale in Cedar Rapids earn between $107,173 and $124,130 per year (2026 est.). This $57,490 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Cedar Rapids median of $96,845 sits 8.02% below the US median.
Top PT Salary Comparison
| Level | Cedar Rapids | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $96,845 | $105,288 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,173 | $124,141 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $124,130 | $138,464 |
In Cedar Rapids, experienced physical therapists (P90) earn 28.17% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Pay in Cedar Rapids
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA physical therapists with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $96,845 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Cedar Rapids employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Cedar Rapids command premium compensation, often reaching the $107,173–$124,130 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Cedar Rapids metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced physical therapists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured physical therapists in Cedar Rapids with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Physical Therapists in Iowa who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Physical Therapist Career & Wage Growth Path in Cedar Rapids
Clinical Physical Therapist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCedar Rapids ranks #8 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner physical therapist salary (90th percentile: $124,130).
Top 10% physical therapist compensation in Cedar Rapids ($124,130) is 1.01% below the Iowa average P90 ($125,393).
2019 BLS Actual
$100,420
2025 BLS Actual
$121,150
2026 Current Est.
$124,130
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Cedar Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $100,420 | Actual |
| 2020 | $101,220 | Actual |
| 2021 | $99,670 | Actual |
| 2022 | $102,850 | Actual |
| 2023 | $110,030 | Actual |
| 2024 | $112,090 | Actual |
| 2025 | $121,150 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $124,130 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $127,184 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapists (90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids saw their compensation grow 20.6% from $100,420 in 2019 to $121,150 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.46% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $127,184 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cedar Rapids 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.
Maximizing Your Physical Therapist Earnings in Cedar Rapids
Senior physical therapists in Cedar Rapids can typically expect varied compensation based on their area of specialization and work setting. Fields such as orthopedic (OCS) and neurologic (NCS) therapy are particularly lucrative, while leadership roles like clinic director or residency faculty can significantly enhance earning potential. Different employment types, such as outpatient clinics or hospital-based settings, offer varying pay structures—outpatient chains often operate on productivity models that pressure therapists to meet stringent visit targets, while hospital systems might provide more stable salaries plus better benefits. Advanced credentials such as a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and board certifications are key in advancing one’s career and can lead to non-salary compensation tools, like bonuses for board certifications or ownership equity in private practices, which further boost overall income.
More salary data for Cedar Rapids, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapists make in Cedar Rapids in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist pay in Cedar Rapids?
What certifications boost physical therapist salary in Cedar Rapids?
Can experienced physical therapists make six figures in Cedar Rapids?
How much does physical therapist salary increase over time in Cedar Rapids?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $121,150 for physical therapists in the Cedar Rapids metro area. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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