Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Minneapolis, MN: $62,306 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Minneapolis, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $62,306 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Minneapolis's local price level (BEA RPP 104.8 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,440 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($71,695) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Minneapolis, new graduates entering the field as physical therapist assistants can expect starting salaries around $62,306, which is the lower end of the pay scale for this profession. This figure falls significantly short of the median annual salary for experienced PTAs in the city, which is projected to be $71,695 in 2026. However, early-career professionals can anticipate gradual salary growth as they gain experience; rising to $64,843 at the 25th percentile within the first few years is a realistic target. Given the current trends in the job market, Minneapolis offers competitive opportunities for fresh graduates, making it a suitable environment for those beginning their careers in physical therapy.
Career Earnings Timeline in Minneapolis
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 Minneapolis
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Minneapolis, MN typically start between $62,306 and $64,843 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $17,228 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $71,695 — 2.06% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Minnesota of $22,000 represents just 35.31% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($62,306/year) in Minneapolis. 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 Minneapolis
- 1Research the Minneapolis market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $62,306 to $64,843, 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 Minneapolis, 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 Minneapolis for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Minneapolis'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 Minneapolis is $17,228 ( 27.65%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $62,306, experienced hygienists can earn up to $79,534.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$45,120
2025 BLS Actual
$60,650
2026 Current Est.
$62,306
2019–2027 Growth
+41.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Minneapolis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,120 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,900 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,310 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,600 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,850 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,130 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,650 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,306 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,007 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Minneapolis, MN grew 34.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $45,120 in 2019 to $60,650 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,007. New graduates entering the Minneapolis job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis
Opportunities for entry-level PTAs in Minneapolis primarily arise from outpatient rehabilitation facilities, which actively seek to hire new graduates. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) still present job openings, although some may prefer candidates with experience due to tighter reimbursement structures following a 15% cut to Medicare Part B payments for PTA services. Earning credentials such as an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTAE, and obtaining the state PTA license are essential for boosting starting pay in Minnesota. As early-career PTAs navigate their first roles, understanding that they will work under the supervision of licensed physical therapists is crucial, along with the potential for salary growth in the range of 3-5% annually as they establish themselves. Engaging with the APTA and considering pathways to transition into a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program can further enhance long-term career prospects.
More salary data for Minneapolis, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Minneapolis in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Minneapolis?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Minneapolis?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Minneapolis?
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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 Minneapolis. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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