Physical Therapist in Ankeny, IA

The Salary Picture: Where Ankeny Stands

As a local who's watched the healthcare landscape in Ankeny evolve over the past decade, I can tell you the numbers paint a solid picture for Physical Therapists. The median salary for a Physical Therapist in the Ankeny metro area sits at $97,526/year, which breaks down to an impressive $46.89/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $99,710/year, but that dip is more than offset by Iowa's significantly lower cost of living.

The Ankeny job market is competitive but stable. There are currently 148 Physical Therapist positions available across the Des Moines metro, with Ankeny serving as a key hub. The 10-year job growth projection of 14% is well above the national average for many professions, indicating a sustained demand. This growth is driven by Ankeny's aging population and the expansion of outpatient orthopedic and sports medicine clinics.

Here’s how experience levels typically translate to compensation in the Ankeny market:

Experience Level	Typical Years in IA	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Ankeny Metro)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$82,000 - $90,000
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$92,000 - $105,000
Senior	8-15 years	$102,000 - $115,000
Expert/Management	15+ years	$110,000 - $130,000+

How does this compare to other Iowa cities?

• Des Moines (city center): Salaries are comparable, often $1,500-$3,000 higher due to larger hospital systems (UnityPoint, MercyOne) and more specialty clinics. However, commute times and parking costs can negate this.
• Iowa City (home to UI Hospitals): Slightly higher (~$102,000 median), but the cost of living is also higher, driven by the university and a larger patient base for complex cases.
• Cedar Rapids: Similar to Ankeny, with a median around $96,000. Ankeny often edges out Cedar Rapids for newer clinic facilities and closer proximity to Des Moines' networking opportunities.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base. Many Ankeny clinics, especially those owned by regional health networks, offer productivity bonuses that can add $5,000-$10,000 to your annual take-home. Always ask about these during interviews.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about what that $97,526 means for your daily life in Ankeny. Iowa has a progressive income tax system, and the cost of living is one of the state's biggest draws. The Cost of Living Index for Ankeny is 92.7 (US average = 100), meaning your dollar goes about 7.3% further here than the national average.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Single PT Earning $97,526
Pre-tax monthly income: ~$8,127

Category	Estimated Cost (Ankeny)	Notes
Federal & State Taxes	~$2,200	Includes federal tax, IA state tax (3.9-6.5%), Medicare, Social Security.
Health Insurance	~$350	Average employer-sponsored plan.
Retirement (401k, 10%)	~$813	Highly recommended for long-term stability.
Rent (1BR in decent area)	$787 - $950	Ankeny average is $787/month, but new apartments near the downtown or S.S. Ankeny Blvd. corridor can be higher.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Int)	~$180	Varies by season, but generally reasonable.
Groceries	~$350	Competitive pricing at local chains like Fareway and Hy-Vee.
Auto (Payment, Ins, Gas)	~$450	A car is a necessity in Ankeny.
Misc. (Entertainment, Personal)	~$400
Savings/Personal	~$1,400	Remaining after all above expenses.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. This is where Ankeny shines. The median home price in Ankeny is approximately $275,000 - $300,000. With a $97,526 salary, a 20% down payment ($55,000-$60,000) is achievable within 4-5 years of focused saving. A monthly mortgage (including taxes and insurance) for a $250,000 home would be roughly $1,600-$1,800. This is very manageable on a single PT income, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle with ample space—often a yard, which is a major perk for those with families or pets.

Insider Tip: New construction is booming in Ankeny, particularly in the northern and eastern parts of the city (e.g., near the intersection of Interstate 35 and 1st Street). These areas offer modern homes and quick commutes to major clinics, but property taxes can be higher than in established neighborhoods.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about what that $97,526 means for your daily life in Ankeny. Iowa has a progressive income tax system, and the cost of living is one of the state's biggest draws. The Cost of Living Index for Ankeny is 92.7 (US average = 100), meaning your dollar goes about 7.3% further here than the national average.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Single PT Earning $97,526
Pre-tax monthly income: ~$8,127

Category	Estimated Cost (Ankeny)	Notes
Federal & State Taxes	~$2,200	Includes federal tax, IA state tax (3.9-6.5%), Medicare, Social Security.
Health Insurance	~$350	Average employer-sponsored plan.
Retirement (401k, 10%)	~$813	Highly recommended for long-term stability.
Rent (1BR in decent area)	$787 - $950	Ankeny average is $787/month, but new apartments near the downtown or S.S. Ankeny Blvd. corridor can be higher.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Int)	~$180	Varies by season, but generally reasonable.
Groceries	~$350	Competitive pricing at local chains like Fareway and Hy-Vee.
Auto (Payment, Ins, Gas)	~$450	A car is a necessity in Ankeny.
Misc. (Entertainment, Personal)	~$400
Savings/Personal	~$1,400	Remaining after all above expenses.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. This is where Ankeny shines. The median home price in Ankeny is approximately $275,000 - $300,000. With a $97,526 salary, a 20% down payment ($55,000-$60,000) is achievable within 4-5 years of focused saving. A monthly mortgage (including taxes and insurance) for a $250,000 home would be roughly $1,600-$1,800. This is very manageable on a single PT income, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle with ample space—often a yard, which is a major perk for those with families or pets.

Insider Tip: New construction is booming in Ankeny, particularly in the northern and eastern parts of the city (e.g., near the intersection of Interstate 35 and 1st Street). These areas offer modern homes and quick commutes to major clinics, but property taxes can be higher than in established neighborhoods.

Where the Jobs Are: Ankeny's Major Employers

Ankeny's Physical Therapy job market is anchored by a mix of large health systems and private practices. The competition for openings can be stiff, so knowing the local players is key.

1. Iowa Orthopaedic Center (IOC): A dominant force in the Des Moines metro, IOC has a major clinic in Ankeny (near the Ankeny Regional Airport). They specialize in orthopedic and sports medicine PT. Hiring Trend: Actively hiring for outpatient PTs with orthopedic residency or OCS credentials. They value productivity and efficiency.

2. Broadlawns Medical Center: While their main hospital is in Des Moines, Broadlawns runs a network of community health clinics, including a robust presence in Ankeny. They serve a diverse patient population, including underserved communities. Hiring Trend: Looking for PTs with experience in geriatrics, neurological rehab, and community health. Stable, union-supported positions with excellent benefits.

3. UnityPoint Health: Their Ankeny clinic (on S.S. Ankeny Blvd) is a key hub for outpatient rehab. They offer a wide range of services from orthopedics to pelvic health and vestibular therapy. Hiring Trend: High demand for specialists. They often promote from within and offer strong professional development budgets. Check their careers page frequently; they post multiple openings a year.

4. Ankeny Physical Therapy (Private Practice): A well-established local private practice known for one-on-one care and a strong community reputation. They focus on manual therapy and sports rehab. Hiring Trend: Smaller, but they hire when they grow. Look for postings on local job boards like the Iowa Physical Therapy Association (IPTA) website. They value a strong fit with their clinic culture.

5. MercyOne Des Moines: Their Ankeny clinic provides comprehensive outpatient services, including pediatric PT. They are part of a large health network but maintain a community feel. Hiring Trend: Steady hiring, especially for those with pediatrics or women's health certifications. Their system allows for easy transfer to other MercyOne locations for career advancement.

6. Des Moines University (DMU): While not a direct employer for most PTs, DMU's College of Osteopathic Medicine and its associated teaching clinics in the area are a major source of networking and continuing education. Hiring Trend: Opportunities for adjunct faculty or clinical instructors for experienced PTs looking to teach.

7. Ankeny School District & Local SNFs: The Ankeny Community School District hires PTs for its early intervention and school-based programs. Local skilled nursing facilities (like Edencrest at Ankeny) also need PTs for geriatric care. Hiring Trend: These are often steady, public-sector or long-term care roles with predictable hours and strong benefits, though salaries may trend toward the lower end of the median.

Insider Tip: Many of the best jobs in Ankeny are never posted on national sites. Monitor the Iowa Physical Therapy Association (IPTA) job board and join the Des Moines Area Physical Therapy Network on LinkedIn. Word-of-mouth is powerful; let local PTs know you're looking.

Getting Licensed in Iowa

The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The Iowa Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy is your regulatory body.

Step-by-Step Requirements:

1. Education: You must graduate from a CAPTE-accredited DPT program.
2. National Exam: Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTs. This is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
3. Jurisprudence Exam: Pass the Iowa-specific jurisprudence exam, which covers state laws and rules. It's an open-book, online test.
4. Background Check: Submit fingerprints for a state and federal criminal background check.
5. Application & Fees: Submit your application to the Iowa Board. The total cost for initial licensure is approximately $250-$300 (including application, exam, and background check fees).

Timeline to Get Started:

• If you're already a licensed PT in another state, you can apply for licensure by reciprocity. Iowa is part of the Physical Therapy Compact (PT Compact), which streamlines the process for PTs moving from other compact member states. This can cut your timeline down to 4-6 weeks.
• If you're a new graduate or coming from a non-compact state, plan for 2-3 months from the time you pass the NPTE to receiving your Iowa license. Start the process before you move to Ankeny.

Insider Tip: The Iowa Board is known for being efficient but rigid. Ensure your application is complete and all documents (transcripts, exam scores) are sent directly from the source. Delays often come from missing paperwork.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Ankeny is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own vibe. Your choice will depend on your commute priorities, lifestyle, and budget.

Neighborhood	Typical 1BR Rent	Vibe & Commute	Best For
Downtown Ankeny	$900 - $1,100	Walkable, historic charm, local cafes, and the Ankeny Art Center. 5-10 min drive to most clinics.	Younger PTs who want a social scene and a short walk to a coffee shop after a long day.
S.S. Ankeny Blvd Corridor	$850 - $1,000	Modern apartments, easy access to I-35, shopping (Target, Hy-Vee), and major clinics. 5-15 min drive.	Professionals who prioritize a short, traffic-free commute and modern amenities.
Northern Ankeny (near DMACC)	$787 - $900	Family-friendly, quieter, with newer subdivisions and parks. 10-20 min drive to downtown clinics.	PTs looking for more space, a quieter home life, and good public schools (if they have a family).
South Ankeny (near SE 14th St)	$800 - $950	Established area with mature trees, good value, and quick access to Indianola and Des Moines. 10-15 min drive.	Those who want a balance of affordability and a established neighborhood feel.
West Ankeny (near I-35 & 1st St)	$950 - $1,200	New construction, luxury apartments, and quick highway access. 15-20 min drive to some clinics.	PTs who want the newest housing stock and don't mind a slightly longer, but predictable, commute.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Ankeny is almost nonexistent compared to other metro areas. A "long" commute is 15 minutes. If you live in Ankeny, you can work in Ankeny or neighboring Des Moines suburbs (Urbandale, Johnston) without a stressful drive. The biggest traffic choke points are around the Ankeny High School during school events and the intersection of S.S. Ankeny Blvd and 1st Street during peak shopping hours.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Ankeny offers a solid foundation for long-term career growth, especially if you're proactive.

Specialty Premiums:

• Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS): The gold standard for outpatient ortho. Can command a $5,000-$10,000 premium over the median salary. Major employers like IOC and UnityPoint highly value this.
• Pelvic Health Physical Therapist: A growing niche with a significant shortage in Iowa. Can add $7,000-$12,000 to your salary. MercyOne and private practices are actively seeking these specialists.
• Pediatric PT: Specialized training can lead to roles in the school district or pediatric clinics. Premiums vary but are often $3,000-$6,000.

Advancement Paths:

• Clinical Track: Move from staff PT to Senior PT, then to Lead PT or Clinic Director. This path often involves more administrative duties but stays hands-on.
• Education/Research: Become a clinical instructor for DMU's DPT program or write for continuing education platforms. This is a common side-gig for experienced PTs in Iowa.
• Private Practice Ownership: After 10+ years, some PTs open their own clinics. Ankeny's growing population supports new practices, but success requires strong business acumen.

10-Year Outlook (Based on 14% Growth):
The demand will remain strong. The trend is moving toward value-based care and telehealth. PTs who are tech-savvy and can demonstrate patient outcomes will be in high demand. The rise of direct access in Iowa means more patients are seeking PTs without a doctor's referral, which benefits general practitioners in outpatient settings. Ankeny's proximity to Des Moines means you can easily specialize while enjoying a lower cost of living.

The Verdict: Is Ankeny Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your $97,526 salary goes much further. Homeownership is very attainable.	Limited Specialty Opportunities: For highly niche specialties (e.g., advanced oncology,