Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Sioux City, IA: $71,620 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Sioux City, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $71,620 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sioux City's local price level (BEA RPP 86.5 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $82,842 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($102,849) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Sioux City, IA, the starting physical therapist salary for new graduates in 2026 is projected to be around $71,620. This figure is significantly lower than the median annual salary of $102,849 for physical therapists in the city. Over the initial years, there is a clear trajectory where early-career therapists can expect to climb to around $79,786 at the 25th percentile within the first three to five years, and potentially approach the median as they gain experience and establish themselves in the workforce. Given the cost of living index in Sioux City, which is below the national average, this entry-level pay range presents a somewhat modest but realistic starting point for fresh graduates entering the field.
Career Earnings Timeline in Sioux City
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 Sioux City
Entry-level physical therapists in Sioux City, IA typically start between $71,620 and $79,786 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $40,594 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $102,849 — 2.32% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Iowa of $105,000 represents just 146.61% of the starting physical therapist pay ($71,620/year) in Sioux City. 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 Sioux City
- 1Research the Sioux City market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $71,620 to $79,786, 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 Sioux City, 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 Sioux City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Sioux City'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 Sioux City is $40,594 ( 56.68%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $71,620, experienced hygienists can earn up to $112,214.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$64,780
2025 BLS Actual
$69,900
2026 Current Est.
$71,620
2019–2027 Growth
+13.3%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Sioux City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,780 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,940 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,900 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,480 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,960 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,510 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,900 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,620 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,381 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Sioux City, IA grew 7.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $64,780 in 2019 to $69,900 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $73,381. New graduates entering the Sioux City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sioux City 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 Sioux City
In Sioux City, local employers who often hire new grad physical therapists include outpatient orthopedic chains such as ATI and Athletico, which typically offer structured productivity ramps for their new hires. Hospital systems also play a significant role, often providing residency programs that pave the way for board certification, thereby positioning their employees for higher earning potential. For those looking to boost their marketability and starting pay, obtaining a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTE, and acquiring a state PT license are fundamental steps. Early career strategies can include focusing on productivity metrics, especially in outpatient settings, where increased earnings may come from bonuses based on patient throughput. Expectations of salary growth in the first few years will largely depend on the employer type and the therapist’s willingness to pursue additional credentialing opportunities through organizations like the APTA.
More salary data for Sioux City, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Sioux City in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Sioux City?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Sioux City?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Sioux City?
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 Sioux City. 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