Physical Therapist in Iowa City, IA

The Salary Picture: Where Iowa City Stands

As a career analyst who’s watched the Iowa City job market for years, I can tell you that physical therapy here is a stable, well-compensated field—but it’s not a gold rush. The median salary for a Physical Therapist in the Iowa City metro is $97,257/year, or about $46.76/hour. That’s slightly below the national average of $99,710/year, but the trade-off is Iowa City’s famously low cost of living. With a metro population of just 75,671, you’re looking at a tight-knit professional community with less competition than in major metros.

Let’s break down what those numbers mean by experience level. This table is based on aggregated local job postings and BLS data for the region.

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range (Iowa City)	Key Characteristics
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$78,000 - $88,000	Often starts in outpatient ortho or acute care rotations. Expect to see a lot of new grad residencies.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$90,000 - $105,000	This is where most local PTs land. Specialization begins here; you have leverage for negotiation.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$105,000 - $120,000	Typically leads to clinical specialist roles, clinical instructor positions, or management.
Expert/Specialist (15+ years)	$120,000+	Often in niche areas (pelvic health, vestibular, hospital-based oncology) or private practice ownership.

How does Iowa City compare to other Iowa cities? It’s a mixed bag. Des Moines (metro population ~700k) has a higher median salary (closer to $102,000) but also higher living costs. Cedar Rapids offers similar pay but with a more industrial patient base. Iowa City’s unique advantage is the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC), a massive employer that anchors the market and offers competitive packages with excellent benefits, which can outweigh a slightly lower base salary.

Insider Tip: The 10-year job growth projection for Iowa City is 14%, beating the national average. This is driven by an aging population and UIHC’s expansion. However, the "Jobs in Metro" figure of 151 is telling—it’s a small, specialized market. You won’t find dozens of openings daily, but the ones that appear are often high-quality.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about finances. You’ve got a median salary of $97,257. After federal, state (Iowa’s is progressive, maxing at 6.5%), and FICA taxes, your take-home pay is roughly $72,000 - $74,000 annually, or about $6,000 - $6,150 per month. That’s a solid starting point.

Now, factor in housing. The average 1-bedroom apartment rent in Iowa City is $902/month. For a Physical Therapist earning the median, this is very affordable. Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$6,100	After taxes for median salary
Rent (1BR Avg)	$902	Can range from $750-$1,100
Utilities	$150	Includes electric, gas, internet
Groceries	$400	Iowa's grocery costs are ~5% below national avg
Car/Transport	$400	Insurance is cheap; gas is moderate
Health Ins. (post-tax)	$200	Often very good rates via employers
Student Loans	$400	National avg for PTs; can be higher
Retirement (401k, 5%)	$405	Essential for long-term wealth
Discretionary	$2,243	For dining, entertainment, savings

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Iowa City is around $250,000. With a 20% down payment ($50,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates (~7%) would be about $1,600/month (including taxes/insurance). Given the discretionary income in the budget above, a PT at the median salary could save for a down payment in 2-3 years while comfortably renting. This is a huge advantage over coastal cities where homeownership is a distant dream for most.

Where the Jobs Are: Iowa City's Major Employers

Iowa City’s job market for PTs is dominated by a few key players. The "Jobs in Metro" count of 151 reflects a concentrated market where relationships matter. Here are the primary employers, with specific local details:

1. University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics (UIHC): The 814-bed flagship hospital is the region's largest employer. They hire for inpatient rehab, acute care, orthopedics, and specialty clinics (e.g., vestibular, pelvic health). Hiring trends show a strong preference for DPT graduates and a robust clinical residency program. Insider tip: UIHC jobs are posted on the university's HR site, not typical job boards. They offer a pension plan (rare in healthcare) and tuition reimbursement.

2. Mercy Iowa City (now part of MercyOne): A 200-bed community hospital with a strong outpatient orthopedics and sports medicine focus. They’re part of a larger Catholic health system, which can influence hiring cycles. They frequently hire for outpatient roles and often partner with local PTs for PRN (as-needed) weekend coverage.

3. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Iowa City: A major private practice group that employs PTs for post-surgical rehab, specializing in TMJ and facial pain. This is a niche but growing area. They value PTs with manual therapy and pain science certifications.

4. Therapy Solutions of Iowa City: A large, locally-owned outpatient ortho and sports medicine practice with multiple locations. They are a frequent hirer of new grads and offer a clear career ladder from staff PT to clinic director. They are known for investing in continuing education.

5. Iowa City VA Health Care System: Part of the VA Midwest Health Care Network. They hire for geriatric, orthopedic, and neurological PTs. Veterans Affairs jobs come with federal benefits and a mission-driven culture. Hiring can be slower due to federal processes, but turnover is low.

6. Iowa City Community School District: PTs are employed for school-based services, working with students with disabilities. This role follows the school calendar (summers off) and requires a state pediatrics certification. It’s a great work-life balance option.

7. Private Practice & Home Health Agencies: Several smaller practices (e.g., Iowa Physical Therapy & Wellness) and national home health companies (like Kindred at Home) serve the metro and surrounding rural areas. These offer more flexibility and higher autonomy but may have variable caseloads.

Getting Licensed in Iowa

Iowa’s licensing is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The Iowa Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy oversees the process. Here’s the timeline and cost breakdown:

1. Education & Exam: You must graduate from a CAPTE-accredited DPT program and pass the NPTE (National Physical Therapy Examination). This is the same nationwide.
2. Jurisprudence Exam: Iowa requires a state-specific jurisprudence exam on Iowa laws and rules. It’s open-book and taken online. Cost: $50.
3. Background Check: A fingerprint-based criminal history check is mandatory. Cost: ~$50.
4. Application & Fees: Submit your application to the Iowa Board via their online portal. The initial license fee is $175. Total startup cost is roughly $275.
5. Timeline: If you have all documents ready (transcripts, NPTE score report, jurisprudence exam certificate), the board typically processes applications in 2-4 weeks. Start this process at least a month before you plan to start work.

Pro-Tip: Iowa is part of the Physical Therapy Compact (PT Compact), which allows licensed PTs from other member states to practice in Iowa without a new license. If you're already licensed in another compact state (like Illinois or Minnesota), check the PT Compact website for eligibility.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Choosing where to live in Iowa City depends on your lifestyle and commute. Traffic is minimal, but parking near UIHC can be a challenge. Here are top picks:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For...
Downtown / Old Town	Walkable, historic, vibrant. 5-10 min walk to UIHC. Limited parking.	$950 - $1,200	Young professionals who want to be in the heart of the action.
North Liberty	Suburban, family-friendly. 15-20 min drive to hospitals. Newer developments.	$850 - $1,050	Those wanting more space, newer amenities, and easy access to I-80.
Coralville	Mid-town feel, cheaper than Iowa City proper. 10-15 min commute. Good shopping.	$750 - $950	Budget-conscious PTs who don't mind a short commute.
Eastside / Melrose	Quiet, residential, near parks. 10-15 min drive to UIHC. Good value.	$800 - $1,000	Those seeking a peaceful home base without sacrificing convenience.
Riverside / Manville Heights	Near the Iowa River, slightly more upscale. 10-15 min commute.	$900 - $1,100	Professionals who enjoy outdoor recreation and a quieter ambiance.

Insider Tip: If you work at UIHC, consider a place with a bus pass. The Iowa City Transit system is free for University of Iowa students and staff (including employees), which can be a huge perk.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career trajectory in Iowa City is less about rapid salary jumps and more about specialization and leadership. Here’s how to advance:

• Specialty Premium: Earning board certification (e.g., OCS for orthopedics, WCS for pelvic health, NCS for neurology) can increase your salary by 10-15%. UIHC and Therapy Solutions often have internal specialty pathways.
• Leadership: Moving into clinical supervision, clinic management, or director roles can push your salary into the $110,000 - $130,000 range. UIHC and MercyOne have formal leadership ladders.
• Academia: With the University of Iowa’s DPT program, there are opportunities for adjunct faculty positions. This is a great way to supplement income and network.
• Entrepreneurship: Opening a cash-based wellness or specialty practice (e.g., pelvic health, performance training) is viable in a market with a high concentration of educated, health-conscious residents (thanks to the university and hospital).

10-Year Outlook: The 14% growth rate is promising. Demand will be driven by UIHC’s expansion, an aging population, and a growing focus on outpatient rehab to reduce hospital readmissions. Competition for the best roles will remain moderate, but networking within the tight-knit community is key.

The Verdict: Is Iowa City Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes far, especially for homeownership.	Limited Job Market: Only 151 jobs means fewer options and less leverage for new grads.
Stable Employers: UIHC and MercyOne offer long-term stability and good benefits.	Weather: Harsh, cold winters can be a downside for those used to milder climates.
Strong Community: A collaborative, non-competitive professional network.	Cultural Scene: While vibrant for a town its size, it can’t match major metros.
Excellent Work-Life Balance: Short commutes, manageable caseloads in most settings.	Transportation: Public transit is limited; a car is almost a necessity.
Specialty Opportunities: Unique niches at UIHC and the VA.	Growth Ceiling: Top-end salaries are lower than in coastal cities.

Final Recommendation: Iowa City is an excellent choice for Physical Therapists who value stability, affordability, and a strong sense of community over high-stakes, high-price living. It’s ideal for those early to mid-career looking to establish roots, buy a home, and build a sustainable career without the burnout of a massive metro. If you’re a highly ambitious specialist seeking the absolute highest salary, you might look to Des Moines or Chicago—but you’ll sacrifice the quality of life and financial ease Iowa City offers.

FAQs

1. Is it hard to get a job as a new grad in Iowa City?
It’s competitive due to the small market, but not impossible. UIHC and Therapy Solutions run formal new grad residencies. Apply early, and consider PRN positions to get your foot in the door. Networking with local PTs through the Iowa Physical Therapy Association is crucial.

2. What’s the average caseload in outpatient vs. inpatient?
Outpatient (private practice or hospital-based) typically sees 12-14 patients per day. Inpatient at UIHC is often 8-10 patients per day, with more complex cases. Both settings are generally less demanding than in high-volume urban clinics.

3. How does the cost of living affect my salary?
The Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (US avg=100) means your $97,257 here feels more like $106,000 nationally. The biggest savings are in housing (rent/mortgage) and transportation. This effectively boosts your purchasing power.

4. Are there opportunities for side gigs or PRN work?
Absolutely. Many PTs supplement income with PRN work at local nursing homes (like Windmill Manor), home health agencies, or weekend hours at outpatient clinics. The small network makes finding these gigs easier through word-of-mouth.

5. What’s the family life like for a PT in Iowa City?
Excellent. Excellent public schools (Iowa City Community School District), low crime, abundant parks and trails (like the Iowa River Corridor), and a strong sense of community. The $902 average rent for a 1BR is a great starting point for a family if you move to a 2BR (avg. $1,100). It’s a very family-friendly city.