Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Minneapolis, MN: $34.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Minneapolis, MN runs $34.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,695 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Minneapolis's regional price level (BEA RPP 104.8, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,013 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in Minneapolis, Minnesota, will earn a median hourly rate of $34.47, surpassing the national median of $33.77. This pay reflects the demand for skilled PTA professionals in various settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and hospital rehab units. For part-time employees working three days a week, this translates to a stable income, particularly advantageous for those seeking work-life balance. Entry-level PTAs may start in the $29.96 range, while experienced professionals can earn up to $38.24 per hour, highlighting the competitive nature of the field and the opportunities for salary growth based on experience and work settings. This data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), ensuring a reliable overview of current trends in physical therapist assistant hourly pay in Minneapolis.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.96 | $239.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.18 | $249.43 |
| Median (P50) | $34.47 | $275.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.06 | $296.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.24 | $305.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Minneapolis
Based on $34.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.47/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Minneapolis, MN can expect to earn approximately $71,689 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,359. With a cost-of-living index of 104.82 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Minneapolis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Minneapolis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,378.64 | $5,974 | $71,689 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $827.18 | $3,584 | $43,013 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $551.45 | $2,390 | $28,676 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Minneapolis) | $34.47 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Massage Therapist (National Avg) | $27.10 |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Minneapolis, MN earn a median of $71,695 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.06% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 3.60% above the Minnesota state average of $69,204.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.47/hr = $43,013/year (purchasing power: $41,035).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,689/year (purchasing power: $68,391).
CoL index: 104.822 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.9%
Hourly Rate 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 | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Minneapolis grew 21.2% from $27.68/hr (2019) to $33.55/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.41/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapist assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist Assistant in Minneapolis
When considering the earning potential for a part-time physical therapist assistant in Minneapolis, working three days a week for approximately 24 hours can yield an annual take-home salary that varies significantly from a full-time position. PTAs in this role will take home around $42,900 annually, while full-time workers could exceed $71,695. Moreover, the flexibility of per diem roles allows PTAs to set their own schedules, with common pay rates between $32 and $48 per hour, depending on the facility and region. However, the recent 15% Medicare reimbursement cut may impact earnings, particularly for those in skilled nursing facilities where agency PTA rates have fallen. Different employer types also offer varying pay scales; outpatient orthopedic clinics might offer more lucrative rates compared to hospital settings or pediatric clinics. For PTAs seeking higher hourly compensation, negotiating can involve a balance of pay against benefits like health insurance, so understanding these trade-offs is critical in maximizing earning potential in the Minneapolis area.
More salary data for Minneapolis, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Minneapolis in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapist assistants in Minneapolis. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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