Minneapolis vs Prior Lake: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Minneapolis, MN and Prior Lake, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Minneapolis, MN | Prior Lake, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,695▲ | $67,721 |
| Hourly Rate | $34.47▲ | $32.56 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,306▲ | $47,148 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,843▲ | $58,506 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,099▲ | $74,877 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,534 | $88,757▲ |
| Total Employed | 730▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Minneapolis, MN offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Prior Lake.
The salary gap between Minneapolis and Prior Lake is $3,974 (5.87%). Minneapolis's median is +2.06% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Minneapolis spans $17,228,Prior Lake spans $41,609. Prior Lake 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, Prior Lake ($68,752 effective) pays 0.52% more than Minneapolis ($68,397 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Minneapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($71,695/year)
- ✓Larger job market (730 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Prior Lake if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,757)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,752)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Minneapolis grew 21.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.6% growth in Prior Lake over the same period.
Minneapolis, MN
$57,580 (2019) → $69,790 (2025)
Prior Lake, MN
$63,627 (2024) → $65,921 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Minneapolis, MN
Prior Lake, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Minneapolis or Prior Lake?
What is the hourly rate difference between Minneapolis and Prior Lake?
Should I relocate from Minneapolis to Prior Lake as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Minneapolis vs Prior Lake?
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