Ames vs Cedar Rapids: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist 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 | $92,839 | $96,845▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.63 | $46.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,191▲ | $66,640 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,040 | $80,820▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $103,741 | $107,173▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $122,839 | $124,130▲ |
| Total Employed | 70 | 220▲ |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ames.
The salary gap between Ames and Cedar Rapids is $4,006 (4.31%). Cedar Rapids's median is -8.02% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ames spans $53,648,Cedar Rapids spans $57,490. Cedar Rapids has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cedar Rapids ($108,860 effective) pays 4.16% more than Ames ($104,513 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ames if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($96,845/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,130)
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,860)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Ames grew -15.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.6% growth in Cedar Rapids over the same period.
Ames, IA
$107,260 (2019) → $90,610 (2025)
Cedar Rapids, IA
$78,370 (2019) → $94,520 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists 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?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Ames vs Cedar Rapids?
Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% 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 Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov