Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Ramsey, MN: $46,566 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Ramsey, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,566 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Ramsey's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,275 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($67,474) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the entry-level physical therapist assistant salary in Ramsey, Minnesota, is projected to start around $46,566. New graduates entering the field can expect a realistic pay trajectory that aligns with local market conditions, where the median salary for all physical therapist assistants is anticipated to be $67,474. This indicates a significant gap as new grads work to gain experience and establish themselves in the profession. However, with dedication and further development, they can aspire to increase their earnings through diligent work and continuing education, moving towards the 25th percentile at $60,600 and further toward the median. Given the relatively favorable salary landscape in Ramsey compared to the national average, which is projected to be $70,247, this city presents a promising market for those embarking on their careers as physical therapist assistants.
About the Ramsey Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Ramsey
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 Ramsey
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Ramsey, MN typically start between $46,566 and $60,600 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $41,344 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $67,474 — 3.95% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Minnesota of $22,000 represents just 47.24% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($46,566/year) in Ramsey. 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 Ramsey
- 1Research the Ramsey market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $46,566 to $60,600, 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 Ramsey, 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 Ramsey for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Ramsey'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 Ramsey is $41,344 ( 88.79%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,566, experienced hygienists can earn up to $87,910.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,754
2025 BLS Actual
$45,329
2026 Current Est.
$46,566
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Ramsey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,754 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,124 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,390 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,143 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,975 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,025 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,329 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,566 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,838 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Ramsey, MN grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,754 in 2019 to $45,329 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,838. New graduates entering the Ramsey job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ramsey 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 Ramsey
The local job market for new grads in Ramsey includes opportunities primarily within outpatient clinics, where employers are keen to hire recent graduates. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) also remain a viable option for employment, despite recent challenges due to reimbursement cuts that began in 2022. However, home health agencies generally prefer hiring individuals with at least 1-2 years of clinical experience. To enhance earning potential, it's essential for new PTAs to possess an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, pass the NPTAE national exam, and obtain their state PTA license. For those looking to enhance their credentials, pursuing advanced proficiency certifications through the APTA can provide a competitive edge. In light of steadily expected growth of 2.73% annually, PTAs in their first three years should be prepared for gradual salary increases as they gain experience and navigate the implications of recent Medicare reimbursement changes, particularly in settings heavily reliant on Medicare funds.
More salary data for Ramsey, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Ramsey in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Ramsey?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Ramsey?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Ramsey?
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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 Ramsey. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ramsey 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