Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Clinton, IA: $76,019 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Clinton, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,019 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Clinton's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $84,092 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($93,728) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For newcomers entering the physical therapy field in Clinton, the entry-level physical therapist salary is set at about $76,019 annually in 2026. This figure represents a significant starting point, albeit lower than the city’s median salary of $93,728. New graduates can realistically anticipate growth over their initial years, progressing from the entry-level pay to approximately $81,182 at the 25th percentile and further towards the median. Given that Clinton's market is characterized by a relatively affordable cost of living, this makes it a reasonable locale for new grads starting their careers in physical therapy, especially as they adapt to their work environment and build essential skills during their first few years on the job.
About the Clinton Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Clinton
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 Clinton
Entry-level physical therapists in Clinton, IA typically start between $76,019 and $81,182 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $41,899 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $93,728 — 10.98% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Iowa of $105,000 represents just 138.12% of the starting physical therapist pay ($76,019/year) in Clinton. 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 Clinton
- 1Research the Clinton market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $76,019 to $81,182, 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 Clinton, 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 Clinton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Clinton'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 Clinton is $41,899 ( 55.12%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,019, experienced hygienists can earn up to $117,918.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,748
2025 BLS Actual
$74,194
2026 Current Est.
$76,019
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Clinton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,748 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,104 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,565 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,316 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,500 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,084 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,194 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,019 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,889 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Clinton, IA grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,748 in 2019 to $74,194 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,889. New graduates entering the Clinton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clinton 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 Clinton
In Clinton, various employers are actively seeking newly minted DPT graduates, with outpatient orthopedic chains like ATI and Select Medical typically hiring the largest number of new entrants into the profession. These employers often offer structured productivity ramps that can enhance pay, though hospital systems may provide residency programs that not only lead to board certification but also potentially better first-job salaries. Starting pay is further influenced by credentials such as a DPT degree from a CAPTE-accredited program and successful completion of the NPTE national exam. In the first few years, new physical therapists may see their salaries rise modestly, as they acclimate to productivity expectations shaped by factors like reimbursement rates. Engaging in continuing education and earning specialty certifications from the APTA can also strategically position new grads for upward mobility in pay within this helping profession in IA.
More salary data for Clinton, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Clinton 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 Clinton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Clinton 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