How much does a physical therapist assistant make in Des Moines?
$61,360a year
Median yearly pay for physical therapist assistants in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area. That is $29.50 an hour or $5,113 a month.
- Hourly
- $29.50
- Vs. national median
- -10%
- Rank among cities
- 264 of 348
- Jobs in the area
- 170
Pay range
Lowest 10%: $45,750Median: $61,360Highest 10%: $96,370
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $45,750 | $22.00 | |
| 25th | $54,600 | $26.25 | |
| Median | $61,360 | $29.50 | |
| 75th | $74,120 | $35.63 | |
| 90th | $96,370 | $46.33 |
Other cities in Iowa
Median yearly pay for physical therapist assistants.
| Omaha, NE | $63,470 |
| Waterloo, IA | $62,850 |
| Davenport, IA | $61,130 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $58,180 |
| Iowa City, IA | $58,140 |
| Dubuque, IA | $51,640 |
Related jobs in Des Moines
Same field, median yearly pay.
| Massage Therapist | $76,090 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $64,250 |
| Dental Assistant | $50,020 |
| Medical Assistant | $46,920 |
| Healthcare Support Worker | $46,310 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $45,020 |
| Nursing Assistant | $43,940 |
| Phlebotomist | $38,490 |
| Veterinary Assistant and Laboratory Animal Caretaker | $37,560 |
| Orderly | $37,090 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a physical therapist assistant make an hour in Des Moines?
The median hourly pay in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area is $29.50 ($61,360 a year).
Do physical therapist assistants make more in Des Moines than the national average?
No: $61,360 against $68,380 nationally, 10% less.
How does Des Moines compare with the rest of Iowa?
The median in Iowa is $61,030, so Des Moines pays 1% more.
Where does Des Moines rank for physical therapist assistant pay?
264 of 348 metro areas with data.
How much does a physical therapist assistant make starting out in Des Moines?
The lowest-paid 10% make $45,750 or less a year; the top 10% make $96,370 or more.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): pay in May 2025, published by BLS in 2026. Hourly pay is the yearly figure divided by 2,080 hours.