Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Maplewood, MN: $50,253 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Maplewood, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,253 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Maplewood's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,018 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($66,695) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the physical therapist assistant field in Maplewood can expect a starting salary ranging around $50,253, which represents a gap compared to the city's median salary of $66,695. This initial pay may feel modest, but it serves as a foundation for growth, with entry-level professionals having the potential to move up to $60,441 at the 25th percentile as they gain experience. The positive growth trajectory of 2.73% annually indicates that new graduates can anticipate a meaningful increase in their earnings within their first three to five years. Given this context, Maplewood presents a favorable employment market for entry-level physical therapist assistants, particularly for those willing to develop their skills and certifications over time.
About the Maplewood Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Maplewood
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 Maplewood
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Maplewood, MN typically start between $50,253 and $60,441 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $35,183 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $66,695 — 5.06% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Minnesota of $22,000 represents just 43.78% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($50,253/year) in Maplewood. 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 Maplewood
- 1Research the Maplewood market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $50,253 to $60,441, 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 Maplewood, 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 Maplewood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Maplewood'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 Maplewood is $35,183 ( 70.01%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,253, experienced hygienists can earn up to $85,436.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,268
2025 BLS Actual
$48,918
2026 Current Est.
$50,253
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Maplewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,268 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,668 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,192 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,400 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,140 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,487 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,918 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,253 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,625 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Maplewood, MN grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,268 in 2019 to $48,918 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,625. New graduates entering the Maplewood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Maplewood 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 Maplewood
Many employers in Maplewood actively hire new grad physical therapist assistants, with outpatient clinics being the primary source of entry-level positions. Although skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) remain viable options despite recent reimbursement cuts, they increasingly prefer candidates with some experience. To enhance starting pay in Minnesota, it is advisable for new PTAs to obtain an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, pass the NPTAE, and secure a state PTA license. Additionally, pursuing advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can create a competitive edge. Given that a significant portion of practice involves working under the supervision of physical therapists, the current environment, with the 15% Medicare cut impacting heavily reliant settings, suggests that salary growth in the first few years might be modest yet steady. Thus, early-career professionals should anticipate realistic salary increases along with continual professional development.
More salary data for Maplewood, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Maplewood in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Maplewood?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Maplewood?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Maplewood?
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 Maplewood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Maplewood 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