Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Fort Dodge, IA: $27.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Fort Dodge, IA runs $27.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,362 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Fort Dodge's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,424 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fort Dodge, Iowa, the projected median hourly pay for physical therapist assistants is $27.58, which is significantly lower than the national hourly median of $33.77. This discrepancy highlights how local economic conditions can impact professional compensation. For professionals working part-time, such as those in outpatient clinics or skilled nursing facilities, this rate translates into varied earning potential based on the number of hours worked. Many part-time physical therapist assistants, working three days a week, can expect to earn around $2,222 monthly based on a standard 24-hour work schedule. The hourly pay for physical therapist assistants in Fort Dodge ranges from $20.64 for entry-level positions to $33.35 for the highest earners, illustrating a spectrum of compensation opportunities in various healthcare settings, including home health and pediatric therapy.
About the Fort Dodge Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.64 | $165.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.80 | $198.39 |
| Median (P50) | $27.58 | $220.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.17 | $249.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.35 | $266.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fort Dodge
Based on $27.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.58/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fort Dodge, IA can expect to earn approximately $57,373 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,100. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fort Dodge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fort Dodge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,103.32 | $4,781 | $57,373 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $661.99 | $2,869 | $34,424 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $441.33 | $1,912 | $22,949 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Fort Dodge) | $27.58 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Massage Therapist (National Avg) | $27.10 |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Fort Dodge, IA earn a median of $57,362 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.34% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 8.20% below the Iowa state average of $62,486.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.58/hr = $34,424/year (purchasing power: $38,079).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,373/year (purchasing power: $63,465).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Fort Dodge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Fort Dodge grew 16.3% from $23.08/hr (2019) to $26.85/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.34/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapist assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fort Dodge 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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist Assistant in Fort Dodge
For physical therapist assistants considering part-time roles in Fort Dodge, it's essential to weigh the financial realities of working 24 hours a week against full-time earnings. While the annual income from part-time work may be lower than that of full-time counterparts, many professionals appreciate the flexibility it brings, especially in outpatient or school-based settings. Per diem physical therapist assistants can command rates between $32 and $48 per hour, but those who opt for agency work may notice a decrease in pay due to changes in Medicare reimbursement policies that affect skilled nursing facilities. Additionally, the type of employer significantly influences pay rates; outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offer competitive wages, whereas hospitals, home health agencies, and schools may present differing compensation structures. Health benefits can also play a role in the decision to accept lower hourly rates, leading some professionals to prioritize stable employment over higher pay without benefits. For those negotiating hourly rates, understanding the local market and potential earnings in diverse settings can provide crucial leverage when discussing pay conditions.
More salary data for Fort Dodge, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Fort Dodge in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Fort Dodge?
Are physical therapist assistants in Fort Dodge paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Fort Dodge?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapist assistants in Fort Dodge. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fort Dodge 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