Average Physical Therapist Assistants Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Physical Therapist Assistants in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, earn an average annual salary of $67,060, a figure remarkably close to the national average of $67,190. This parity suggests that local economic factors, such as demand and the cost of services, are closely aligned with national trends, leading to a compensation structure that reflects broader market conditions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $67,060 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $93,600.
- Outlook: The Des Moines-West Des Moines area supports a local workforce of 240 Physical Therapist Assistants. While the Location Quotient of 0.83 indicates a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average, the presence of nearly 250 professionals suggests a stable, albeit not hyper-concentrated, demand for these vital healthcare roles within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Physical Therapist Assistants in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns-0.2%below the national average.
$32.2
$1,290
$5,588
Physical Therapist Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for the last four years is not provided, it is generally assumed that the demand for physical therapy services, driven by an aging population and increased awareness of rehabilitation benefits, has led to consistent salary growth for Physical Therapist Assistants across the nation, including in markets like Des Moines-West Des Moines.
Physical Therapist Assistants Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Career progression for Physical Therapist Assistants typically involves gaining experience, which directly correlates with earning potential. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command salaries significantly higher than the average, reflecting their expertise and value to employers.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $49,950 | $24 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $50,295 | $24.2 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $62,960 | $30.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $83,825 | $40.3 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $93,600 | $45 |
Detailed Physical Therapist Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$67,060
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$67,060
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $67,060 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, Physical Therapist Assistants in Des Moines-West Des Moines find their nominal earnings directly translate to purchasing power. This means that the salary earned in this area offers a standard of living equivalent to the national average, making it a financially stable location for professionals.
Job Market Context
240
Total Jobs
0.581
Per 1K Jobs
0.83
Location Quotient
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has 0.83x the national average concentration of Physical Therapist Assistants jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient of 0.83 for Physical Therapist Assistants in Des Moines-West Des Moines suggests that the profession is slightly less concentrated here than the national average. This indicates a balanced job market where demand exists, but the supply of professionals is not overwhelmingly high, potentially offering good opportunities for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physical Therapist Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $58,830↓ 12% | 31 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $61,290↓ 9% | 37 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $59,700↓ 11% | 37 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $58,100↓ 13% | 37 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $60,380↓ 10% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Hiring Physical Therapist Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physical Therapist Assistants make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Physical Therapist Assistants in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $67,060. This typically ranges from $49,950 for entry-level positions to $93,600 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 0.2% lower than the national median of $67,190.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Physical Therapist Assistants?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation.Physical Therapist Assistants in Des Moines-West Des Moines earn an average of $67,060, nearly matching the national average, with a Cost of Living Index of 100, meaning their salary has strong purchasing power.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Physical Therapist Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($58,830) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of Physical Therapist Assistants in Des Moines compare nationally?
Des Moines-West Des Moines has a local workforce of 240 Physical Therapist Assistants, which is a notable presence, though the Location Quotient of 0.83 indicates a slightly lower concentration relative to the national average.
What is the significance of the Cost of Living Index in Des Moines?
A Cost of Living Index of 100 means that the general cost of goods and services in Des Moines-West Des Moines is exactly the same as the national average, making the $67,060 salary directly comparable in terms of real value.
Are there many job opportunities for Physical Therapist Assistants in Des Moines?
With 0.581 jobs per 1,000 workers, there is a steady presence of opportunities, and the balanced Location Quotient suggests a healthy demand without excessive competition.
How does experience affect a Physical Therapist Assistant's salary in Des Moines?
As with most professions, experience is a key factor in salary progression. More experienced Physical Therapist Assistants in Des Moines can expect to earn higher salaries, moving into senior or specialized roles that command greater compensation.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 0.581 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Physical Therapist Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA