Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Dubuque, IA: $32,185 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Dubuque, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $32,185 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dubuque's local price level (BEA RPP 87.3 — 13% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,855 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($53,050) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Graduates entering the physical therapist assistant field in Dubuque, IA, can expect a starting salary of around $32,185 in 2026. That figure indicates a significant gap compared to the city's median annual salary of $53,050. New professionals typically experience a growth trajectory in their first few years, with potential increases up to $37,342 as they advance from entry-level positions. This upward movement reflects the steady demand for physical therapist assistants in Dubuque, suggesting it remains a viable market for recent graduates to establish their careers while honing their skills and gaining valuable experience.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dubuque
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dubuque
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Dubuque, IA typically start between $32,185 and $37,342 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $34,518 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $53,050 — 24.48% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Iowa of $18,000 represents just 55.93% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($32,185/year) in Dubuque. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school programs.
PTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Dubuque
- 1Research the Dubuque market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $32,185 to $37,342, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Dubuque, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Dubuque for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dubuque's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Assistant Compensation Range
The physical therapist assistant wage spread in Dubuque is $34,518 ( 107.25%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $32,185, experienced hygienists can earn up to $66,703.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,040
2025 BLS Actual
$31,330
2026 Current Est.
$32,185
2019–2027 Growth
+13.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Dubuque (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,040 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,530 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,120 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,880 | Actual |
| 2023 | $29,120 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,450 | Actual |
| 2025 | $31,330 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32,185 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33,064 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Dubuque, IA grew 7.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,040 in 2019 to $31,330 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $33,064. New graduates entering the Dubuque job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dubuque 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 2.73% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Dubuque
In Dubuque, many healthcare employers commonly recruit entry-level physical therapist assistants, especially outpatient therapy centers, which typically provide the most opportunities for new graduates. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) also continue to hire, even amidst reimbursement cuts, while home health agencies often prefer candidates with prior experience. Graduates with an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passing the NPTAE national exam, and obtaining a state PTA license can enhance their employability. Furthermore, considering the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut for PTA services initiated in 2022, it's essential for new PTAs to strategize their early career pathways—working under physical therapists while pursuing further education can pave the way for future opportunities, including transitioning to a DPT program. Over the first few years, professionals may realistically anticipate salary growth as they gain skills and adjust to the local market conditions in Dubuque.
More salary data for Dubuque, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Dubuque in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Dubuque?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Dubuque?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Dubuque?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Iowa?
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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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Dubuque. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
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 2.73%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapist assistants (SOC 31-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov