Physical Therapist Salary in Clinton, IA: $93,728 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Clinton, IA earns a median $93,728/year (≈ $45.06/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Clinton's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $103,681 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.2% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Clinton, Iowa, the projected median annual salary for physical therapists in 2026 is $93,728, which is approximately 10.98% lower than the national median of $105,288. Compensation here varies widely, with entry-level positions earning around $76,019 while more experienced therapists can make as much as $117,918 annually. These figures reflect estimates based on 2025 BLS data and apply local adjustments in cost of living, which currently sits below the national average. For those considering a career in physical therapy or currently practicing in Clinton, understanding these figures is essential, especially as productivity expectations often influence pay structures within local clinics.
About the Clinton Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,019 | $36.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,182 | $39.03 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $93,728 | $45.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $108,816 | $52.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117,918 | $56.69 |
Median Salary Position
10.98% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clinton
In Clinton, IA, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,899 (2026 est.). At $93,728, the local median is 10.98% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Clinton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Clinton Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Clinton median: $93,728/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Clinton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $99,924 | -6.20% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -10.98% less |
Physical Therapists in Clinton, IA earn a median of $93,728 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.98% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 6.20% below the Iowa state average of $99,924.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Clinton has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Clinton, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $93,728 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $103,681 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$79,620
2025 BLS Actual
$91,478
2026 Current Est.
$93,728
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
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 | $79,620 | Actual |
| 2020 | $81,018 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,122 | Actual |
| 2022 | $86,991 | Actual |
| 2023 | $88,763 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,954 | Actual |
| 2025 | $91,478 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93,728 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $96,034 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Clinton metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $79,620 (2019) to $91,478 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $96,034 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,414 (20.62%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $76,019 – $81,182 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,182 – $93,728 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $93,728 – $108,816 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $108,816 – $117,918 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Clinton
In terms of job market dynamics, Clinton employs six physical therapists, highlighting a relatively stable yet small market with opportunities primarily found in outpatient clinics and rehabilitative facilities. With a cost of living index at 90.4, professionals in Clinton may find that their take-home pay stretches further compared to locations with higher living costs. Employers like outpatient orthopedic clinics, which may offer performance bonuses, or hospital inpatient rehabilitation units tend to provide higher compensation packages. The disparity in salaries often arises from factors like visit frequency, patient load expectations, and the potential financial benefits of advanced board certifications such as OCS or SCS. As such, prospective therapists aiming to maximize their earnings in Clinton should consider building specialized skills, exploring cash-pay practice models, or seeking opportunities within more lucrative settings like sports medicine or traveling positions, which typically command premium rates.
More salary data for Clinton, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Clinton, IA in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Clinton?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist salary in Clinton?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $91,478 for physical therapistsin the Clinton metropolitan area. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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