Average Physical Therapists Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Physical Therapists in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area earn an average annual salary of $96,430. This figure is slightly below the national average of $102,240, suggesting localized market dynamics and potentially a different supply-demand balance influence compensation in this region. The cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines is precisely at the national average, meaning your earnings here have standard purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $96,430 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $116,380.
- Outlook: The Des Moines-West Des Moines area supports a robust workforce of approximately 800 Physical Therapists. With a Location Quotient of 1.22, the concentration of these professionals is notably higher than the national average, indicating a strong presence and potentially sustained demand for their specialized skills within the local healthcare ecosystem.
Salary Overview
The average Physical Therapists in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns-5.7%below the national average.
$46.4
$1,854
$8,036
Physical Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Des Moines-West Des Moines is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that Physical Therapist salaries in the region have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as an aging population, increased awareness of physical therapy's benefits, and evolving healthcare policies likely contribute to this upward salary trajectory.
Physical Therapists Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Salary progression for Physical Therapists in Des Moines-West Des Moines, as elsewhere, is typically tied to experience. Entry-level practitioners will find their compensation at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries significantly higher, often reaching into the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities and earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $77,580 | $37.3 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $72,323 | $34.8 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $98,110 | $47.2 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $120,538 | $58 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $116,380 | $56 |
Detailed Physical Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$96,430
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$96,430
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $96,430 in Des Moines-West Des Moines aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Physical Therapist's salary in this metropolitan area is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial foundation without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living regions.
Job Market Context
800
Total Jobs
1.97
Per 1K Jobs
1.22
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.22, Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Physical Therapists roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.22 for Physical Therapists in Des Moines-West Des Moines signifies a higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive market where employers may have a good pool of talent to draw from, but also indicates a strong regional demand for these services, potentially leading to stable employment opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physical Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Physical Therapists Salary | $87,360↓ 9% | 31 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Physical Therapists Salary | $92,150↓ 4% | 37 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Physical Therapists Salary | $93,540↓ 3% | 37 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Physical Therapists Salary | $92,630↓ 4% | 37 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Physical Therapists Salary | $89,460↓ 7% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physical Therapists make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Physical Therapists in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $96,430. This typically ranges from $77,580 for entry-level positions to $116,380 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 5.7% lower than the national median of $102,240.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Physical Therapists?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation relative to its cost of living.Physical Therapists in Des Moines-West Des Moines earn $96,430 annually, which is competitive given the local Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average of 100.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Physical Therapists?
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 ($87,360) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Des Moines-West Des Moines Physical Therapist salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Physical Therapists in Des Moines-West Des Moines is $96,430, which is slightly lower than the national average of $102,240.
What is the concentration of Physical Therapists in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.22, indicating that Physical Therapists are more prevalent in this area than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, meaning it's exactly average. Therefore, the $96,430 salary has standard purchasing power compared to the national average.
What is the total number of Physical Therapists in the Des Moines-West Des Moines area?
There are approximately 800 Physical Therapists employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 800 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 1.97 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 Therapists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA