Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Dickinson, ND: $43,540 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Dickinson, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,540 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dickinson's local price level (BEA RPP 92.0 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,326 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,681) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dickinson, North Dakota, new graduates entering the physical therapist assistant (PTA) field can expect a starting salary around $43,540 annually for 2026. This figure significantly trails the city's median annual salary of $62,681, highlighting the clear gap that entry-level professionals face as they begin their careers. However, there's a positive growth trajectory as these PTAs can potentially move from their starting pay to earn around $54,078 within just a few years, eventually reaching the median salary mark. With a projected annual growth rate of 2.73%, the job market appears to be accessible for new grads in Dickinson, making it a viable location for those pursuing a career as a physical therapist assistant.
About the Dickinson Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dickinson
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 Dickinson
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Dickinson, ND typically start between $43,540 and $54,078 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $38,495 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,681 — 10.77% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in North Dakota of $16,000 represents just 36.75% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($43,540/year) in Dickinson. 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 Dickinson
- 1Research the Dickinson market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $43,540 to $54,078, 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 ND often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Dickinson, 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 Dickinson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dickinson's below-average 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 Dickinson is $38,495 ( 88.41%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,540, experienced hygienists can earn up to $82,035.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,690
2025 BLS Actual
$42,383
2026 Current Est.
$43,540
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Dickinson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,690 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,036 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,090 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,469 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,377 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,983 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,383 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,540 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,729 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Dickinson, ND grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,690 in 2019 to $42,383 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $44,729. New graduates entering the Dickinson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dickinson 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 Dickinson
Employers in Dickinson actively hire newly graduated PTAs, with outpatient rehabilitation chains being the primary source of entry-level job opportunities. While skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continue to recruit new graduates despite facing reimbursement challenges, individuals seeking roles in home health agencies are typically preferred to have one to two years of clinical experience. New professionals should aim to obtain credentials such as an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program and pass the NPTAE national exam to improve their initial pay prospects. In the first few years, realistic salary growth for a new grad physical therapist assistant in ND can be expected to align with industry trends, especially with the implications of the 15% Medicare Part B reimbursement cut affecting pay in heavily Medicare-reliant settings. By staying informed about credentialing options and seeking opportunities that provide supportive supervision from licensed physical therapists, new PTAs will enhance their career path and earning potential significantly.
More salary data for Dickinson, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Dickinson in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Dickinson?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Dickinson?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Dickinson?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in North Dakota?
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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 Dickinson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dickinson 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