Physical Therapist Salary in Marshalltown, IA: $95,131 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Marshalltown, IA earns a median $95,131/year (≈ $45.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Marshalltown's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $105,233 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.8% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Physical therapists in Marshalltown, Iowa, can anticipate a median annual salary of $95,131 in 2026. This figure represents a slight decrease compared to the national median of $105,288, highlighting a regional disparity within the profession. The salary range for physical therapists varies significantly, stretching from $75,059 at the 10th percentile to $120,239 at the 90th percentile, according to projections based on 2025 BLS data. Local estimates also incorporate regional cost adjustments, which are particularly relevant for the eight physical therapists actively employed in the area. As the job market evolves, it's important for potential candidates to consider these pay scales when deciding between outpatient chains, hospital settings, and skilled nursing facilities, each offering different compensation structures.
About the Marshalltown Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,059 | $36.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $79,212 | $38.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $95,131 | $45.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $110,492 | $53.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120,239 | $57.81 |
Median Salary Position
9.65% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Marshalltown
In Marshalltown, IA, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,180 (2026 est.). At $95,131, the local median is 9.65% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Marshalltown: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Marshalltown Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Marshalltown median: $95,131/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Marshalltown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $99,928 | -4.80% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -9.65% less |
Physical Therapists in Marshalltown, IA earn a median of $95,131 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.65% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 4.80% below the Iowa state average of $99,928.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Marshalltown 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.
Marshalltown, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $95,131 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $105,233 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$80,812
2025 BLS Actual
$92,847
2026 Current Est.
$95,131
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Marshalltown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80,812 | Actual |
| 2020 | $82,230 | Actual |
| 2021 | $86,396 | Actual |
| 2022 | $88,293 | Actual |
| 2023 | $90,091 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,045 | Actual |
| 2025 | $92,847 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $95,131 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $97,471 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Marshalltown metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $80,812 (2019) to $92,847 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $97,471 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,659 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marshalltown 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) | $75,059 – $79,212 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $79,212 – $95,131 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $95,131 – $110,492 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $110,492 – $120,239 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Marshalltown
In terms of local employment, Marshalltown's cost of living index stands at 90.4, below the national average, which positively impacts the purchasing power of salaries in the area. Outpatient orthopedic clinics, such as those affiliated with larger chains, generally offer competitive compensation but may have lower starting salaries compared to hospital systems that often pay for inpatient rehabilitation. The disparity in pay scales can be influenced by factors such as productivity expectations, with employers typically requiring a specific number of units per visit and total visits per day. Specialty board certifications like the Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) or Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS) can also elevate earning potential, often accompanied by additional stipends. For those aiming to enhance their physical therapist pay in Marshalltown, gaining certifications and considering positions in high-demand settings, such as travel therapy or cash-based practices, can provide lucrative opportunities.
More salary data for Marshalltown, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Marshalltown, IA in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Marshalltown?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist salary in Marshalltown?
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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 $92,847 for physical therapistsin the Marshalltown 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 Marshalltown 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