Cottage Grove vs St. Paul: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Cottage Grove, MN and St. Paul, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cottage Grove, MN | St. Paul, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,290 | $70,975▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.83 | $34.13▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,572 | $48,790▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $59,703 | $61,509▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $76,139 | $81,521▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,172 | $100,766▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 80▲ |
Verdict
St. Paul, MN offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cottage Grove.
The salary gap between Cottage Grove and St. Paul is $2,685 (3.93%). 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 Cottage Grove spans $35,600,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 3.93% more than Cottage Grove ($69,330 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cottage Grove 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 Cottage Grove grew 3.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 2.2% growth in St. Paul over the same period.
Cottage Grove, MN
$64,162 (2024) → $66,475 (2025)
St. Paul, MN
$67,575 (2024) → $69,089 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cottage Grove, MN
St. Paul, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Cottage Grove or St. Paul?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cottage Grove and St. Paul?
Should I relocate from Cottage Grove to St. Paul as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Cottage Grove 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