Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Bismarck, ND: $63,186 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Bismarck, ND earns a median $63,186/year (≈ $30.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Bismarck's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.0), that paycheck buys what $68,680 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the North Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bismarck, North Dakota, the projected median salary for a physical therapist assistant in 2026 is $63,186, reflecting a market that continues to adapt after significant changes due to Medicare cuts. With a salary range extending from $46,375 at the 10th percentile to $79,633 at the 90th percentile, these figures illustrate the disparity in compensation opportunities within the region. This robust salary framework is influenced by local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost of living, which currently sits below the national average. With shifts in the healthcare landscape and a reduction in Medicare reimbursements for PTA services, specifically in skilled nursing facilities, the salary structure has evolved considerably, affecting employment dynamics across different therapy settings in Bismarck.
About the Bismarck Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,375 | $22.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,542 | $27.18 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,186 | $30.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,281 | $34.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79,633 | $38.29 |
Median Salary Position
10.05% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bismarck
In Bismarck, ND, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,258 (2026 est.). At $63,186, the local median is 10.05% below the national median of $70,247.
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How Bismarck Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Bismarck median: $63,186/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bismarck Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Average | $64,083 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -10.05% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Bismarck, ND earn a median of $63,186 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.05% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.40% below the North Dakota state average of $64,083.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bismarck has a cost of living 8.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bismarck, ND has a cost-of-living index of 92 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $63,186 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $68,680 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,881
2025 BLS Actual
$61,507
2026 Current Est.
$63,186
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Bismarck (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,881 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,830 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,031 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,461 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,639 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,223 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,507 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,186 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,911 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bismarck metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $52,881 (2019) to $61,507 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,911 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,030 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bismarck 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $46,375 – $56,542 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,542 – $63,186 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,186 – $71,281 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,281 – $79,633 |
PTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Assistant Job Market in Bismarck
The job market for physical therapist assistants in Bismarck features approximately 11 professionals currently employed in the field, indicating a competitive yet limited local employment pool. With a cost of living index of 92, take-home pay reflects a reasonable purchasing power for individuals working in this role. Outpatient orthopedic clinics generally offer the highest pay, followed by skilled nursing facilities, where compensation has been particularly strained due to the 15% Medicare cut implemented in 2022. Factors contributing to the pay spread include varying productivity expectations, supervision requirements under state law, and the financial dynamics within healthcare settings post-cuts. For those looking to maximize their earning potential in Bismarck, pursuing work in high-demand environments, such as hospital rehabilitation units or private outpatient practices, along with continuous education and potential PTA-to-DPT bridge pathways, can enhance long-term salary prospects in this evolving landscape.
More salary data for Bismarck, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $61,507 for physical therapist assistantsin the Bismarck metropolitan area. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bismarck 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