Physical Therapist Aide salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Physical Therapist Aides in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn a median of $29,120 a year ($14.00 an hour), based on BLS data for 100 workers.
Pay ranges from $22,790 for the lowest-paid 10% to $43,760 for the top 10%. That is 17% lower than the national median of $35,240. Pay here is about the same as the Iowa statewide median of $29,120. There are 0.25 physical therapist aides per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $30,090, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for physical therapist aides in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $22,790 | $10.96 |
| 25th percentile | $27,730 | $13.33 |
| Median | $29,120 | $14.00 |
| 75th percentile | $29,680 | $14.27 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $43,760 | $21.04 |
| Average (mean) | $30,090 | $14.46 |
Half of physical therapist aides earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $2,426.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,213.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,120 |
| Weekly | $560 |
| Hourly | $14.00 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $29,120 salary, see how much house you can afford in Iowa at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Physical Therapist Aide salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha, NE-IA | $31,000 | 300 |
| Iowa City, IA | $27,700 | 30 |
Highest-paying states for physical therapist aides
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $55,760 |
| Minnesota | $42,330 |
| Colorado | $41,970 |
| New Hampshire | $40,460 |
| Maine | $39,660 |
| Washington | $39,500 |
| District of Columbia | $38,950 |
| Montana | $38,950 |
| California | $38,330 |
| North Dakota | $37,680 |
See Physical Therapist Aide pay in every state or the Iowa statewide figures.
Related jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $61,360 | $29.50 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $64,250 | $30.89 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $36,350 | $17.48 |
| Nursing Assistant | $43,940 | $21.13 |
| Medical Assistant | $46,920 | $22.56 |
| Dental Assistant | $50,020 | $24.05 |
| Pharmacy Aide | $35,120 | $16.89 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $37,560 | $18.06 |
| Phlebotomist | $38,490 | $18.51 |
| Massage Therapist | $76,090 | $36.58 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $46,310 | $22.26 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $45,020 | $21.64 |
| Orderly | $37,090 | $17.83 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 31-2022. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a physical therapist aide make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median salary for physical therapist aides in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area is $29,120 a year, or $14.00 an hour. Pay ranges from $22,790 for the lowest-paid 10% to $43,760 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid physical therapist aides make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The top 10% of physical therapist aides in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn at least $43,760 a year. The top 25% earn $29,680 or more.
What is the starting pay for physical therapist aides in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $22,790 a year, and a quarter of physical therapist aides earn $27,730 or less.
How many physical therapist aides work in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
About 100 physical therapist aides are employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.