PT Assistant Salary

Minneapolis vs Winona: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)

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

Minneapolis, MN
$71,695
$34.47/hr
Winona, MN
$65,574
$31.53/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMinneapolis, MNWinona, MN
Median Salary$71,695$65,574
Hourly Rate$34.47$31.53
Entry Level (P10)$62,306$47,670
25th Percentile$64,843$58,089
75th Percentile$77,099$73,848
Top Earner (P90)$79,534$82,035
Total Employed7304
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Minneapolis ($71,695) and Winona ($65,574) physical therapist assistant salaries.MinneapolisWinonaMedian Salary$71,695$65,574Entry Level (P10)$62,306$47,670Top Earner (P90)$79,534$82,035US Median $70,247

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Minneapolis and Winona is $6,121 (9.33%). 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,Winona spans $34,365. Winona has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.

Minneapolis
P10 (Entry)$62,306
P25$64,843
Median$71,695
P75$77,099
P90 (Top)$79,534
Winona
P10 (Entry)$47,670
P25$58,089
Median$65,574
P75$73,848
P90 (Top)$82,035

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Minneapolis ($68,397 effective) pays 2.74% more than Winona ($66,573 effective).

Minneapolis
Nominal: $71,695
CoL Index: 104.822
Adjusted: $68,397
Winona
Nominal: $65,574
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $66,573

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)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,397)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Choose Winona if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($82,035)
  • 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 Winona over the same period.

Minneapolis, MN

+21.2%

$57,580 (2019) → $69,790 (2025)

Winona, MN

+3.6%

$61,609 (2024) → $63,831 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Minneapolis or Winona?

Minneapolis has a higher median physical therapist assistant salary at $71,695/year, compared to Winona at $65,574/year — a difference of $6,121 (9.33%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Minneapolis and Winona?

Minneapolis physical therapist assistants earn $34.47/hr while Winona hygienists earn $31.53/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Minneapolis to Winona as a physical therapist assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Minneapolis and Winona. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Minneapolis = $68,397, Winona = $66,573), job availability (730 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Minneapolis vs Winona?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapist assistants earn $62,306 in Minneapolis and $47,670 in Winona. The Minneapolis 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