Apple Valley vs Duluth: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Apple Valley, MN and Duluth, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Apple Valley, MN | Duluth, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,085▲ | $66,672 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.26▲ | $32.05 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,554 | $59,368▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $58,716 | $61,535▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,468▲ | $71,695 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,661▲ | $75,126 |
| Total Employed | 13 | 90▲ |
Verdict
Apple Valley, MN offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Duluth.
The salary gap between Apple Valley and Duluth is $413 (0.62%). Apple Valley's median is -4.50% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Apple Valley spans $39,107,Duluth spans $15,758. Apple Valley has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Duluth ($75,108 effective) pays 10.28% more than Apple Valley ($68,107 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Apple Valley if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,085/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,661)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,108)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Apple Valley grew 3.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.3% growth in Duluth over the same period.
Apple Valley, MN
$63,029 (2024) → $65,302 (2025)
Duluth, MN
$57,270 (2019) → $64,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Apple Valley, MN
Duluth, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Apple Valley or Duluth?
What is the hourly rate difference between Apple Valley and Duluth?
Should I relocate from Apple Valley to Duluth as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Apple Valley vs Duluth?
Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov