Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Burnsville, MN: $50,204 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Burnsville, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,204 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burnsville's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,969 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($68,235) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, entry-level physical therapist assistants in Burnsville, Minnesota are projected to begin their careers with a starting salary around $50,204. While this figure falls short of the city’s median annual salary of $68,235, it sets a foundation for growth as new graduates gain experience. Over the first few years, entry-level professionals can expect realistic pay progression, potentially reaching around $61,099 as they move through to the 25th percentile and closer to the median. With a projected annual growth rate of 2.73%, Burnsville presents a favorable market for those entering the field of physical therapy, especially for new graduates eager to establish themselves in healthcare.
About the Burnsville Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burnsville
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burnsville
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Burnsville, MN typically start between $50,204 and $61,099 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $40,235 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $68,235 — 2.86% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Minnesota of $22,000 represents just 43.82% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($50,204/year) in Burnsville. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school programs.
PTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Burnsville
- 1Research the Burnsville market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $50,204 to $61,099, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Burnsville, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Burnsville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Burnsville's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Assistant Compensation Range
The physical therapist assistant wage spread in Burnsville is $40,235 ( 80.14%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,204, experienced hygienists can earn up to $90,439.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,235
2025 BLS Actual
$48,870
2026 Current Est.
$50,204
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Burnsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,235 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,634 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,154 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,357 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,098 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,437 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,870 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,204 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,575 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Burnsville, MN grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,235 in 2019 to $48,870 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,575. New graduates entering the Burnsville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burnsville metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.73% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Burnsville
Employers in Burnsville, including outpatient chains and nursing facilities, actively recruit new physical therapist assistant grads despite recent legislation affecting Medicare reimbursements. These organizations typically prioritize applicants with an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, a passing score on the NPTAE national exam, and an active state PTA license, which are essential for starting employment in this competitive market. Additionally, early-career PTAs can substantially increase their potential earnings by pursuing advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA. Given the current environment, it's prudent for new graduates to seek positions within outpatient settings, as home health agencies often prefer candidates with some prior clinic experience. With the recent 15% cut in Medicare Part B reimbursements significantly impacting pay in skilled nursing facilities, aspiring PTAs should prioritize approaches that lead to steady salary growth over their initial three years in the field.
More salary data for Burnsville, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Burnsville in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Burnsville?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Burnsville?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Burnsville?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Minnesota?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Burnsville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burnsville is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.73%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapist assistants (SOC 31-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov