PT Assistant Salary

Duluth vs Plymouth: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Duluth, MN and Plymouth, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Duluth, MN
$66,672
$32.05/hr
Plymouth, MN
$68,476
$32.92/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDuluth, MNPlymouth, MN
Median Salary$66,672$68,476
Hourly Rate$32.05$32.92
Entry Level (P10)$59,368$45,289
25th Percentile$61,535$61,603
75th Percentile$71,695$77,551
Top Earner (P90)$75,126$87,066
Total Employed9014
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Duluth ($66,672) and Plymouth ($68,476) physical therapist assistant salaries.DuluthPlymouthMedian Salary$66,672$68,476Entry Level (P10)$59,368$45,289Top Earner (P90)$75,126$87,066US Median $70,247

Verdict

Plymouth, MN offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Duluth.

The salary gap between Duluth and Plymouth is $1,804 (2.71%). Plymouth's median is -2.52% compared to the US national median of $70,247.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Duluth spans $15,758,Plymouth spans $41,777. Plymouth has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.

Duluth
P10 (Entry)$59,368
P25$61,535
Median$66,672
P75$71,695
P90 (Top)$75,126
Plymouth
P10 (Entry)$45,289
P25$61,603
Median$68,476
P75$77,551
P90 (Top)$87,066

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Duluth ($75,108 effective) pays 8.04% more than Plymouth ($69,519 effective).

Duluth
Nominal: $66,672
CoL Index: 88.768
Adjusted: $75,108
Plymouth
Nominal: $68,476
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $69,519

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Duluth if…

  • Larger job market (90 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,108)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Choose Plymouth if…

  • Higher median salary ($68,476/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($87,066)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Duluth grew 13.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.6% growth in Plymouth over the same period.

Duluth, MN

+13.3%

$57,270 (2019) → $64,900 (2025)

Plymouth, MN

+3.6%

$64,337 (2024) → $66,656 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Duluth or Plymouth?

Plymouth has a higher median physical therapist assistant salary at $68,476/year, compared to Duluth at $66,672/year — a difference of $1,804 (2.71%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Duluth and Plymouth?

Duluth physical therapist assistants earn $32.05/hr while Plymouth hygienists earn $32.92/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Duluth to Plymouth as a physical therapist assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Duluth and Plymouth. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Duluth = $75,108, Plymouth = $69,519), job availability (90 vs 14 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Duluth vs Plymouth?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapist assistants earn $59,368 in Duluth and $45,289 in Plymouth. The Duluth area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, PTAData verified by Ahmed Khan, DPT

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