Ames vs Cedar Rapids: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Ames, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ames, IA | Cedar Rapids, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,734▲ | $59,768 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.64▲ | $28.73 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,560▲ | $34,209 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,502▲ | $49,423 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,186 | $65,644▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,784 | $78,301▲ |
| Total Employed | 30 | 110▲ |
Verdict
Ames and Cedar Rapids are closely matched on overall physical therapist assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Ames and Cedar Rapids is $3,966 (6.64%). Ames's median is -9.27% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ames spans $24,224,Cedar Rapids spans $44,092. Cedar Rapids has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Ames ($71,748 effective) pays 6.80% more than Cedar Rapids ($67,183 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ames if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,734/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,748)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,301)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Ames grew 19.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.8% growth in Cedar Rapids over the same period.
Ames, IA
$51,870 (2019) → $62,040 (2025)
Cedar Rapids, IA
$54,470 (2019) → $58,180 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Ames or Cedar Rapids?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ames and Cedar Rapids?
Should I relocate from Ames to Cedar Rapids as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Ames vs Cedar Rapids?
Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov