Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Moorhead, MN: $49,965 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Moorhead, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,965 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Moorhead's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,726 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($66,545) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the physical therapist assistant field in Moorhead, Minnesota, the starting physical therapist assistant salary is projected at $49,965 in 2026. This figure represents an entry point significantly below the city median of $66,545, establishing a noticeable gap that many early-career PTAs will encounter. As entry-level professionals gain experience, they can expect to see their salaries rise, with benchmarks like the 25th percentile at $60,124 and the potential to reach the median salary in just a few years. Given Moorhead's job market dynamics, which include a modest cost of living index of 98.5, new graduates may find this an attractive location for starting their careers, especially as the profession anticipates a growth rate of 2.73% annually, indicating ample opportunity for advancement within the sector.
About the Moorhead Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Moorhead
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 Moorhead
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Moorhead, MN typically start between $49,965 and $60,124 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $37,344 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $66,545 — 5.27% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Minnesota of $22,000 represents just 44.03% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($49,965/year) in Moorhead. 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 Moorhead
- 1Research the Moorhead market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $49,965 to $60,124, 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 Moorhead, 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 Moorhead for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Moorhead'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 Moorhead is $37,344 ( 74.74%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,965, experienced hygienists can earn up to $87,309.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,071
2025 BLS Actual
$48,637
2026 Current Est.
$49,965
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Moorhead (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,071 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,469 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,973 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,145 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,892 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,214 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,637 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,965 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,329 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Moorhead, MN grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,071 in 2019 to $48,637 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,329. New graduates entering the Moorhead job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moorhead 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 Moorhead
Looking deeper into the employment landscape, employers in Moorhead primarily include outpatient chains, which tend to recruit the most new graduates for physical therapist assistant positions. Despite challenges posed by Medicare reimbursement cuts, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) still seek fresh talent even as they adapt to lower funding levels. To elevate their starting pay prospects, new PTAs should complete an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, pass the NPTAE exam, and obtain state licensure. Building credentials further by pursuing advanced proficiency options through the APTA can also bolster salary potential. In the first three years, PTAs in Moorhead can realistically anticipate a steady growth trajectory, although recent Medicare cuts have compressed pay rates in highly dependent healthcare environments. Continuing education and practical experience will be vital in ensuring competitive pay as the profession evolves amidst shifting regulations and reimbursements.
More salary data for Moorhead, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Moorhead in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Moorhead?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Moorhead?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Moorhead?
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 Moorhead. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moorhead 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