Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Coon Rapids, MN: $47,379 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Coon Rapids, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,379 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Coon Rapids's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,101 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($67,008) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting physical therapist assistant salary in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, is projected at $47,379, positioning new graduates below the city's median annual salary of $67,008. This gap highlights the initial earning potential and reflects the challenges that new PTAs may face as they embark on their careers. However, with experiences gained in their first few years, those starting at the entry-level can expect their salaries to increase to around $58,558, as they develop their skills and build their professional networks. Overall, Coon Rapids presents a promising market for recent graduates in this field, especially considering the anticipated growth rate of 2.73%, which may lead to further improvements in compensation as the profession evolves.
About the Coon Rapids Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Coon Rapids
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 Coon Rapids
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Coon Rapids, MN typically start between $47,379 and $58,558 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $41,476 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $67,008 — 4.61% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Minnesota of $22,000 represents just 46.43% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($47,379/year) in Coon Rapids. 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 Coon Rapids
- 1Research the Coon Rapids market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $47,379 to $58,558, 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 Coon Rapids, 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 Coon Rapids for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Coon Rapids'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 Coon Rapids is $41,476 ( 87.54%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,379, experienced hygienists can earn up to $88,855.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,308
2025 BLS Actual
$46,120
2026 Current Est.
$47,379
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Coon Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,308 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,685 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,007 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,861 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,673 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,779 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,120 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,379 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,673 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Coon Rapids, MN grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,308 in 2019 to $46,120 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,673. New graduates entering the Coon Rapids job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Coon Rapids 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 Coon Rapids
In Coon Rapids, various healthcare settings are actively seeking new grad physical therapist assistants, with outpatient clinics being the most common employers for entry-level positions. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continue to recruit PTAs despite funding pressures, while home health agencies tend to prefer candidates with some clinic experience. New graduates aiming for higher compensation may consider obtaining advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA, in addition to ensuring they have completed a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passed the NPTAE exam, and secured their state PTA license. Given the recent 15% cuts to Medicare reimbursements for PTA-provided services, newly minted PTAs should anticipate a challenging financial environment, particularly within Medicare-reliant settings. Realistic salary growth expectations for the first few years may reflect a gradual climb, potentially aligning closer to the city's median as experience and specialized skills are leveraged effectively in the job market.
More salary data for Coon Rapids, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Coon Rapids in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Coon Rapids?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Coon Rapids?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Coon Rapids?
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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 Coon Rapids. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Coon Rapids 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