Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Bettendorf, IA: $75,769 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Bettendorf, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,769 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bettendorf's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,815 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($95,425) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the physical therapy field in Bettendorf, Iowa, can expect an entry-level physical therapist salary starting around $75,769 in 2026. This figure represents a substantial gap when compared to the city’s median salary of $95,425, indicating that while entry-level pay is competitive, it lags behind the overall market. Over the first few years of their careers, new physical therapists can anticipate gradual salary growth, moving from the P10 threshold of $75,769 to the P25 mark at $81,931 as they gain more experience and skills. With a projected growth rate of 2.46% annually, Bettendorf remains a viable market for new graduates seeking practical experience and a foothold in the profession, although they should be aware of local salary dynamics when negotiating their first positions.
About the Bettendorf Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bettendorf
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 Bettendorf
Entry-level physical therapists in Bettendorf, IA typically start between $75,769 and $81,931 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,781 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $95,425 — 9.37% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Iowa of $105,000 represents just 138.58% of the starting physical therapist pay ($75,769/year) in Bettendorf. 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 Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. Tuition varies substantially between public in-state DPT programs and private institutions; most programs require a prerequisite bachelor's degree.
PT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Bettendorf
- 1Research the Bettendorf market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $75,769 to $81,931, 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 Bettendorf, 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 Bettendorf for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bettendorf's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Compensation Range
The physical therapist wage spread in Bettendorf is $48,781 ( 64.38%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,769, experienced hygienists can earn up to $124,550.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,551
2025 BLS Actual
$73,950
2026 Current Est.
$75,769
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Bettendorf (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,551 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,903 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,369 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,102 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,272 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,904 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,950 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,769 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,633 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Bettendorf, IA grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,551 in 2019 to $73,950 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,633. New graduates entering the Bettendorf job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bettendorf 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 2.46% 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 Bettendorf
In Bettendorf, various employers are looking to hire new graduates, with outpatient orthopedic chains like ATI, Select Medical, and Athletico frequently taking on early-career DPTs. These facilities often implement structured productivity ramps for newly licensed therapists, allowing for ramping productivity expectations over time. Additionally, larger hospital systems may offer residency programs that lead to board certification, providing alternative pathways for career advancement. Starting credentials are critical for boosting initial salaries in Iowa; possessing a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTE national exam, and obtaining a state PT license are essential steps. Further specialization through residency or fellowship programs can also positively impact pay in the long run. In the first one to three years, new graduates in Bettendorf can expect realistic salary increments as they establish their careers, especially in environments that balance productivity and quality care amidst ongoing reimbursement challenges from CMS, which are shaping industry standards.
More salary data for Bettendorf, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Bettendorf in 2026?
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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
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 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Bettendorf. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bettendorf 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 2.46%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapists (SOC 29-1123).
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov