Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Plymouth, MN: $87,066 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Plymouth, MN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $87,066/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Plymouth's price premium (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $88,392 in average-cost America. The 27% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Reaching the upper echelon of physical therapist assistant salaries in Plymouth, Minnesota, requires a strategic approach, particularly for those with over seven years of experience. In 2026, the top earners in this field can anticipate a salary of $87,066, with many experienced professionals earning around $77,551. This significant gap underscores the potential for substantial earnings compared to the median annual salary of $68,476. The ability to earn at this level often hinges on specific skill sets and specializations, reflecting the increased demand for expertise in high-need areas such as orthopedics and outpatient care. Professionals willing to invest in continual learning and advanced credentials can better position themselves for these coveted roles, aligning their experience with the market's needs in Plymouth.
About the Plymouth Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plymouth
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Plymouth earn between $77,551 and $87,066 per year (2026 est.). This $41,777 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Plymouth median of $68,476 sits 2.52% below the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Plymouth | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $68,476 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,551 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $87,066 | $91,954 |
In Plymouth, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 27.15% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Plymouth
Advanced Certifications in Minnesota
MN physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $68,476 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Plymouth employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Plymouth command premium compensation, often reaching the $77,551–$87,066 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Plymouth metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced physical therapist assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured physical therapist assistants in Plymouth with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Physical Therapist Assistants in Minnesota who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Physical Therapist Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Plymouth
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPlymouth ranks #21 of 44 Minnesota cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $87,066).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Plymouth ($87,066) is 5.56% above the Minnesota average P90 ($82,477).
2019 BLS Actual
$76,543
2025 BLS Actual
$84,752
2026 Current Est.
$87,066
2019–2027 Growth
+16.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $76,543 | Actual |
| 2020 | $78,086 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,908 | Actual |
| 2022 | $80,700 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,108 | Actual |
| 2024 | $83,647 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,752 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,066 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,443 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Plymouth saw their compensation grow 10.7% from $76,543 in 2019 to $84,752 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.73% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $89,443 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plymouth 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.
Maximizing Your Physical Therapist Assistant Earnings in Plymouth
Specializations within the physical therapist assistant profession can significantly impact salary levels in Plymouth, especially at the senior level. For instance, those focusing on orthopedic, geriatric rehabilitation, and pediatrics often see enhanced compensation due to the complexity of care required. Compensation varies widely depending on the employer type, with outpatient clinics typically offering competitive pay compared to skilled nursing facilities, which may have constraints due to the 15% Medicare cut affecting rehab services. Senior professionals can pursue advancement paths such as lead PTA roles or regional clinical educator positions, while obtaining advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA may further elevate their market value. Additionally, factors such as work setting, productivity expectations, and supervision responsibilities influence overall compensation, with hospital roles generally attracting higher salaries than outpatient or skilled nursing environments. Understanding these dynamics is essential for seasoned physical therapist assistants committed to maximizing their salary potential in Minnesota.
More salary data for Plymouth, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Plymouth in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Plymouth?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Plymouth?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Plymouth?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Plymouth?
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $84,752 for physical therapist assistants in the Plymouth metro area. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Plymouth 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