Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA: $66,640 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Cedar Rapids, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $66,640 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cedar Rapids's local price level (BEA RPP 89.0 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $74,908 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($96,845) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Graduates entering the physical therapy field in Cedar Rapids, IA, can expect starting salaries around $66,640. This figure sits beneath the city's median annual salary of $96,845, highlighting a considerable gap that early-career professionals need to bridge as they progress through their careers. Within the first three to five years, new physical therapists can anticipate growth trajectories that lead them to the P25 level of $80,820. The Cedar Rapids market appears relatively promising for new graduates, with an expected growth rate of 2.46% annually providing ample opportunity for advancement. As students transition from their education to their first roles, understanding these salary benchmarks for entry-level physical therapist positions is crucial for financial planning.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cedar Rapids
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 Rapids
Entry-level physical therapists in Cedar Rapids, IA typically start between $66,640 and $80,820 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $57,490 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $96,845 — 8.02% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Iowa of $105,000 represents just 157.56% of the starting physical therapist pay ($66,640/year) in Cedar Rapids. 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 Rapids
- 1Research the Cedar Rapids market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $66,640 to $80,820, 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 Rapids, 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 Rapids for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cedar Rapids'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 Rapids is $57,490 ( 86.27%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $66,640, experienced hygienists can earn up to $124,130.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$61,490
2025 BLS Actual
$65,040
2026 Current Est.
$66,640
2019–2027 Growth
+11.0%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Cedar Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,490 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,690 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,900 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,670 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,640 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,490 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,040 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,640 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,279 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Cedar Rapids, IA grew 5.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $61,490 in 2019 to $65,040 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $68,279. New graduates entering the Cedar Rapids job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cedar Rapids 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 Rapids
In Cedar Rapids, several prominent employers are known for hiring new graduate physical therapists. Outpatient orthopedic chains, such as ATI and Athletico, often recruit recent DPT graduates, providing structured productivity ramps that can help in skill development. Additionally, hospital systems frequently offer residency programs that lead to valuable board certification, enhancing earning potential and career prospects. For entry-level positions, holding a DPT degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTE, obtaining a state PT license, and considering optional board specialization through residency can significantly elevate starting pay in Iowa. It’s critical for new grads to align their career strategies within the industry, navigating the competitive landscape shaped by reimbursement changes and productivity expectations. Recent graduates should aim for steady salary growth in the first three years, fostering both professional experience and earning capacity as they establish themselves in the field.
More salary data for Cedar Rapids, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Cedar Rapids in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Cedar Rapids?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Cedar Rapids?
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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 Rapids. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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