Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Marshalltown, IA: $43,747 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Marshalltown, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,747 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Marshalltown's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,393 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($59,518) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the entry-level physical therapist assistant salary in Marshalltown, Iowa, is projected to start at around $43,747. This starting pay sets the foundation for new graduates entering a competitive job market that offers a median annual salary of $59,518. For recent PTA graduates, understanding the gap between the entry-level pay and the city median allows for realistic financial planning. As new professionals gain experience, they can expect salary growth towards the 25th percentile earning about $51,755 over the first few years, making Marshalltown a region with potential for salary advancements. Given these factors, it is an opportune time for recent graduates to seek employment in local healthcare settings, particularly as demand for physical therapy services continues to rise.
About the Marshalltown Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Marshalltown
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 Marshalltown
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Marshalltown, IA typically start between $43,747 and $51,755 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $31,128 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $59,518 — 15.27% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Iowa of $18,000 represents just 41.15% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($43,747/year) in Marshalltown. 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 Marshalltown
- 1Research the Marshalltown market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $43,747 to $51,755, 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 Marshalltown, 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 Marshalltown for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Marshalltown'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 Marshalltown is $31,128 ( 71.15%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,747, experienced hygienists can earn up to $74,875.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,831
2025 BLS Actual
$42,584
2026 Current Est.
$43,747
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Marshalltown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,831 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,179 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,247 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,651 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,554 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,193 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,584 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,747 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,941 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Marshalltown, IA grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,831 in 2019 to $42,584 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $44,941. New graduates entering the Marshalltown job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marshalltown 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 Marshalltown
Prospective employers for new graduate physical therapist assistants in Marshalltown largely include outpatient clinics, which generally have the highest demand for recent PT graduates. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) still hire PTAs, although recent reimbursement cuts may influence hiring trends. While home health agencies tend to favor candidates with some clinical experience, new graduates can bolster their candidacy by obtaining credentials such as an associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTAE national exam, and acquiring their state PTA license. These credentials can enhance starting pay in Iowa. Furthermore, as PTAs in the early stages of their careers, understanding the implications of the 15% cut in Medicare Part B reimbursement is critical; it directly affects salary potentials in areas highly reliant on Medicare services. Realistically, new PTAs can expect gradual salary increases within the first few years as they build their skills, with a focus on pursuing advanced proficiency credentials to further their earning potential over time.
More salary data for Marshalltown, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Marshalltown in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Marshalltown?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Marshalltown?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Marshalltown?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Iowa?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 Marshalltown. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Marshalltown is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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