Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Fargo, ND: $66,286 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Fargo, ND earns a median $66,286/year (≈ $31.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Fargo's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.0), that paycheck buys what $72,050 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% above the North Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fargo, North Dakota, the anticipated median annual salary for a physical therapist assistant is projected at $66,286 for the year 2026. This figure lags slightly behind the national median of $70,247, highlighting the unique dynamics of the local job market. Salaries for physical therapist assistants in the area can vary significantly, ranging from $43,596 at the lower end (P10) to $86,768 at the higher end (P90), allowing for diverse compensation based on experience, settings, and productivity metrics. These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors. With 31 professionals currently employed in this field, those considering a career as a physical therapist assistant in Fargo should factor in not only the salary but also the productivity expectations associated with their role.
About the Fargo Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,596 | $20.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,574 | $26.72 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,286 | $31.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,293 | $36.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,768 | $41.72 |
Median Salary Position
5.64% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fargo
In Fargo, ND, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,172 (2026 est.). At $66,286, the local median is 5.64% below the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Fargo: You'd be above the median
How Fargo Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Fargo median: $66,286/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fargo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Average | $64,106 | +3.40% more |
| National Average | $70,247 | -5.64% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Fargo, ND earn a median of $66,286 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.64% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 3.40% above the North Dakota state average of $64,106.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fargo 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.
Fargo, ND has a cost-of-living index of 92 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $66,286 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,050 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.7% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,240
2025 BLS Actual
$64,524
2026 Current Est.
$66,286
2019–2027 Growth
+41.2%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Fargo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,240 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,270 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,820 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,120 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,170 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,280 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,524 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,286 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,095 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fargo metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 33.8% from $48,240 (2019) to $64,524 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,095 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,855 (41.16%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fargo 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) | $43,596 – $55,574 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,574 – $66,286 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,286 – $76,293 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,293 – $86,768 |
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 Fargo
Analyzing the local market, the cost of living index in Fargo is only 92, meaning the lower housing and living expenses can enhance the effective purchasing power of salaries in the region. Outpatient orthopedic clinics typically offer the most competitive pay among employers, followed by skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab settings. The broad salary range is influenced by the expectations for visits-per-day, productivity standards, and the implications of the Medicare 15% reimbursement cut on outpatient and skilled nursing facilities. For those seeking to maximize their compensation, focusing on settings that allow for higher patient throughput, pursuing weekend or PRN shifts, and considering transition pathways toward DPT for additional credentials can make a substantial difference in annual earnings. Understanding how physical therapist assistant pay in Fargo ND is shaped by these factors will be essential for those venturing into this rewarding career path.
More salary data for Fargo, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Fargo, ND in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Fargo?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Fargo?
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Related Pages
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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 $64,524 for physical therapist assistantsin the Fargo 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 Fargo 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