Ames vs Des Moines: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Ames, IA and Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ames, IA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $92,839 | $100,196▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.63 | $48.18▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,191 | $77,368▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $77,040 | $80,749▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $103,741 | $108,679▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $122,839 | $123,700▲ |
| Total Employed | 70 | 740▲ |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ames.
The salary gap between Ames and Des Moines is $7,357 (7.92%). Des Moines's median is -4.84% 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,Des Moines spans $46,332. Ames has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Des Moines ($109,264 effective) pays 4.55% 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 Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,196/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($123,700)
- ✓Larger job market (740 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,264)
- ✓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 17.6% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Ames, IA
$107,260 (2019) → $90,610 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$83,120 (2019) → $97,790 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Ames or Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ames and Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Ames to Des Moines as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Ames vs Des Moines?
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