Senior Physical Therapist Salary in Burlington, IA: $119,115 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapists working in Burlington, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $119,115/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1123. Strip back Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $131,764 in average-cost America. The 24% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burlington, IA, senior physical therapists can achieve significant earnings, with the top tier of the salary scale reaching as high as $119,115 in 2026. This figure sits comfortably above the state's median annual salary of $95,907, illustrating the potential for significant financial growth that comes with experience and advanced specialization. Compared to the national top earners, Burlington's highest pay rate remains competitive, though it falls short by nearly 9% when juxtaposed with the national median of $105,288. Those aiming for top physical therapist salary in Burlington will need to cultivate their skills through advanced training, gain specialized credentials, and pursue leadership roles to capture this higher earnings bracket.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Experienced physical therapists at the top of the pay scale in Burlington earn between $110,389 and $119,115 per year (2026 est.). This $43,145 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burlington median of $95,907 sits 8.91% below the US median.
Top PT Salary Comparison
| Level | Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $95,907 | $105,288 |
| 75th Percentile | $110,389 | $124,141 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $119,115 | $138,464 |
In Burlington, experienced physical therapists (P90) earn 24.20% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Pay in Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA physical therapists with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $95,907 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $110,389–$119,115 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burlington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced physical therapists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured physical therapists in Burlington with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Physical Therapists in Iowa who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Physical Therapist Career & Wage Growth Path in Burlington
Clinical Physical Therapist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurlington ranks #17 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner physical therapist salary (90th percentile: $119,115).
Top 10% physical therapist compensation in Burlington ($119,115) is 5.01% below the Iowa average P90 ($125,393).
2019 BLS Actual
$107,308
2025 BLS Actual
$116,255
2026 Current Est.
$119,115
2019–2027 Growth
+13.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $107,308 | Actual |
| 2020 | $109,063 | Actual |
| 2021 | $109,347 | Actual |
| 2022 | $110,827 | Actual |
| 2023 | $112,582 | Actual |
| 2024 | $92,469 | Actual |
| 2025 | $116,255 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $119,115 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $122,045 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapists (90th percentile) in Burlington saw their compensation grow 8.3% from $107,308 in 2019 to $116,255 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.46% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $122,045 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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.
Maximizing Your Physical Therapist Earnings in Burlington
Advanced specializations greatly influence compensation, with areas such as orthopedic, sports, and neurologic therapy commanding premium salaries for experienced physical therapists in Burlington. Outpatient orthopedic clinics, like ATI or Athletico, often present different compensation dynamics compared to hospital systems or home health agencies; private practices tend to work on productivity models that may yield productivity-based bonuses. For career advancement, seasoned professionals might consider leadership tracks leading to clinic director roles, faculty positions in doctoral programs, or participation in APTA leadership. Obtaining advanced credentials, such as board specializations, not only enhances prospects for higher pay but also establishes a professional footprint in the community, further influencing earning potential through the balance of cash-pay and insurance models prevalent in the market.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapists make in Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist pay in Burlington?
What certifications boost physical therapist salary in Burlington?
Can experienced physical therapists make six figures in Burlington?
How much does physical therapist salary increase over time in Burlington?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $116,255 for physical therapists in the Burlington metro area. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burlington 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