Brooklyn Center vs St. Paul: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Brooklyn Center, MN and St. Paul, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brooklyn Center, MN | St. Paul, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,802 | $70,975▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.60 | $34.13▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,410 | $48,790▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $58,674 | $61,509▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $75,114 | $81,521▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,021 | $100,766▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 80▲ |
Verdict
St. Paul, MN offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Brooklyn Center.
The salary gap between Brooklyn Center and St. Paul is $3,173 (4.68%). St. Paul's median is +1.04% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brooklyn Center spans $41,611,St. Paul spans $51,976. St. Paul has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, St. Paul ($72,056 effective) pays 4.68% more than Brooklyn Center ($68,835 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brooklyn Center if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Paul if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,975/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,766)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,056)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Brooklyn Center grew 3.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 2.2% growth in St. Paul over the same period.
Brooklyn Center, MN
$63,703 (2024) → $66,000 (2025)
St. Paul, MN
$67,575 (2024) → $69,089 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brooklyn Center, MN
St. Paul, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Brooklyn Center or St. Paul?
What is the hourly rate difference between Brooklyn Center and St. Paul?
Should I relocate from Brooklyn Center to St. Paul as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Brooklyn Center vs St. Paul?
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