Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Ottumwa, IA: $44.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Ottumwa, IA runs $44.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $92,932 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Ottumwa's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,764 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ottumwa, Iowa, physical therapists earn a median hourly rate of $44.68, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $50.62. This discrepancy suggests that part-time therapists working three days a week might find their income lower than what they would expect in higher-paying regions. In typical settings such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, or home health visits, the earning potential varies significantly from entry-level positions at approximately $36.98 per hour to seasoned professionals earning up to $55.49 per hour. These hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates projected for 2026, making them a useful reference point for those considering a career as a physical therapist in this locale.
About the Ottumwa Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.98 | $295.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.24 | $313.94 |
| Median (P50) | $44.68 | $357.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.43 | $411.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.49 | $443.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ottumwa
Based on $44.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.68/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ottumwa, IA can expect to earn approximately $92,940 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,619. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ottumwa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ottumwa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,787.31 | $7,745 | $92,940 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,072.39 | $4,647 | $55,764 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $714.92 | $3,098 | $37,176 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Ottumwa) | $44.68 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Chiropractor (National Avg) | $36.85 |
| Exercise Physiologist (National Avg) | $26.75 |
Physical Therapists in Ottumwa, IA earn a median of $92,932 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.74% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 7.00% below the Iowa state average of $99,927.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.68/hr = $55,764/year (purchasing power: $61,686).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $92,940/year (purchasing power: $102,810).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Ottumwa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Ottumwa grew 14.9% from $37.96/hr (2019) to $43.61/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.78/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ottumwa 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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist in Ottumwa
When evaluating the financial landscape for physical therapists in Ottumwa, several factors come into play. A part-time physical therapist working 24 hours a week can expect to earn around $55,000 annually, which starkly contrasts with the earnings of full-time colleagues. For those seeking greater flexibility, per diem physical therapists often command rates between $50 and $75 per hour, while travel PT contracts range from $1,800 to $2,800 per week including stipends. Different types of employers offer varied pay; outpatient orthopedic clinics and hospital systems generally pay less than pediatric or travel agencies, but provide benefits that can be appealing. Many therapists must weigh the trade-off of accepting lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance and job security against the potential for higher pay with agencies or cash-pay specialty clinics. Negotiation skills specific to hourly positions will be vital as the market shifts, emphasizing the importance of understanding local pay standards and the strategic value of specialized skills in this evolving field.
More salary data for Ottumwa, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Ottumwa in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Ottumwa?
Are physical therapists in Ottumwa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Ottumwa?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Ottumwa?
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Career Resources
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapists in Ottumwa. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ottumwa 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