Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Cedar Falls, IA: $75,299 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Cedar Falls, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,299 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cedar Falls's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,295 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($101,694) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the physical therapy field in Cedar Falls, IA, should set realistic salary expectations as they navigate the early stages of their careers. The starting physical therapist salary in Cedar Falls for 2026 is projected to be around $75,299, considerably lower than the median annual salary of $101,694 in the city. This gap highlights the natural progression that new grads can anticipate, moving from entry-level wages toward the median after a few years of experience. Over the first 3 to 5 years, it’s common for new physical therapists to expect their salaries to increase gradually, with the 25th percentile pay rising to $89,563 as they establish their skills and work experiences in various settings. Overall, Cedar Falls presents a reasonable job market for new graduates, especially given its lower cost of living index at 90.4 compared to the national average.
About the Cedar Falls Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cedar Falls
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 Cedar Falls
Entry-level physical therapists in Cedar Falls, IA typically start between $75,299 and $89,563 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $51,152 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $101,694 — 3.41% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Iowa of $105,000 represents just 139.44% of the starting physical therapist pay ($75,299/year) in Cedar Falls. 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 Cedar Falls
- 1Research the Cedar Falls market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $75,299 to $89,563, 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 Cedar Falls, 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 Cedar Falls for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cedar Falls'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 Cedar Falls is $51,152 ( 67.93%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,299, experienced hygienists can earn up to $126,451.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,182
2025 BLS Actual
$73,491
2026 Current Est.
$75,299
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Cedar Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,182 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,525 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,000 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,698 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,842 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,917 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,491 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,299 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,151 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Cedar Falls, IA grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,182 in 2019 to $73,491 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,151. New graduates entering the Cedar Falls job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cedar Falls 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 Cedar Falls
In Cedar Falls, multiple healthcare employers actively seek to hire new graduates in physical therapy. Outpatient orthopedic chains like ATI, Select Medical, and Athletico tend to be primary employers, offering structured productivity ramps that help new graduates ease into their roles. While often offering lower starting salaries compared to hospital systems, these settings can include productivity bonuses. Recently, some regional hospital systems have introduced residency programs aimed at leading to board certification, which enhances the skills and employability of early-career professionals. Obtaining a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTE national exam, and securing a state PT license are essential first steps, while optional residencies and board specializations (OCS, SCS) can significantly boost earning potential. Taking proactive steps in these early years—including engaging with APTA resources—can develop a clearer career trajectory, leading to realistic salary growth as new grads transition through their first three years in the field.
More salary data for Cedar Falls, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Cedar Falls in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Cedar Falls?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Cedar Falls?
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How do I become a physical therapist in Iowa?
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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 Cedar Falls. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cedar Falls 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