Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Richfield, MN: $49,928 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Richfield, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,928 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Richfield's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,688 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($66,647) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Richfield, Minnesota, the entry-level physical therapist assistant salary is projected to start at around $49,928 in 2026, which presents a considerable gap compared to the city's median annual salary of $66,647. New graduates can expect to progress from that entry-level starting point to a potential salary of about $60,338 within their first few years. This growth trajectory suggests that Richfield offers a favorable environment for newcomers to the profession, as they can anticipate raises as they gain experience and skills. The local job market in Richfield appears supportive for entry-level physical therapist assistants, making it an attractive place for new graduates to launch their careers.
About the Richfield Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Richfield
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 Richfield
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Richfield, MN typically start between $49,928 and $60,338 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $35,519 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $66,647 — 5.12% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Minnesota of $22,000 represents just 44.06% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($49,928/year) in Richfield. 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 Richfield
- 1Research the Richfield market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $49,928 to $60,338, 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 Richfield, 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 Richfield for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Richfield'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 Richfield is $35,519 ( 71.14%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,928, experienced hygienists can earn up to $85,447.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,046
2025 BLS Actual
$48,601
2026 Current Est.
$49,928
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Richfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,046 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,443 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,944 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,112 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,860 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,179 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,601 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,928 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,291 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Richfield, MN grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,046 in 2019 to $48,601 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,291. New graduates entering the Richfield job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richfield 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 Richfield
Employers in Richfield looking to hire newly graduated physical therapist assistants are primarily outpatient chains, as these facilities often provide openings for those just starting their careers. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continue to recruit despite the challenges posed by reimbursement cuts, while home health agencies typically favor applicants with some clinical experience. To enhance starting pay in Minnesota, new PTAs should ensure they have completed their Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passed the NPTAE national exam, and obtained their state PTA license. Credentialing through advanced proficiency certifications from the APTA can further improve prospects in terms of salary and roles. In the early years, typically the first 1-3, salary growth in Richfield may still be impacted by Medicare reimbursement policies impacting many employers. Understanding the complexities in varying settings while developing professional skills could lead to better job opportunities and increased pay, especially as the industry evolves.
More salary data for Richfield, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Richfield in 2026?
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Is physical therapy school worth it in Richfield?
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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 Richfield. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Richfield 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