Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Edina, MN: $47,118 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Edina, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,118 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Edina's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,836 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($66,893) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting physical therapist assistant salary in Edina is projected to be approximately $47,118, which is significantly lower than the city’s median salary of $66,893. This gap reflects the typical progression in earnings for new graduates, suggesting that many PTAs can expect to rise through the pay scale within their first few years. The trajectory from the initial pay of $47,118 to a potential $58,323 at the 25th percentile indicates a solid growth opportunity for newly qualified assistants. Given the annual growth rate of 2.73%, Edina currently presents a reasonable market for fresh graduates, especially when they strategically aim for continuous professional development to enhance their earning potential.
About the Edina Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Edina
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 Edina
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Edina, MN typically start between $47,118 and $58,323 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $41,360 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $66,893 — 4.77% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Minnesota of $22,000 represents just 46.69% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($47,118/year) in Edina. 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 Edina
- 1Research the Edina market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $47,118 to $58,323, 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 MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Edina, 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 Edina for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Edina's moderate 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 Edina is $41,360 ( 87.78%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,118, experienced hygienists can earn up to $88,478.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,130
2025 BLS Actual
$45,866
2026 Current Est.
$47,118
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Edina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,130 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,505 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,809 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,630 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,449 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,533 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,866 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,118 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,404 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Edina, MN grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,130 in 2019 to $45,866 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,404. New graduates entering the Edina job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Edina 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 Edina
Employers in Edina actively recruit new graduates, particularly outpatient therapy chains that frequently hire and train physical therapist assistants. Skilled nursing facilities, despite the financial pressures resulting from the reimbursement cuts in Medicare Part B services, still provide opportunities for new PTAs to gain experience. However, home health agencies often seek candidates with some clinical background, limiting entry-level positions in that sector. For aspiring PTAs, completing an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTAE national exam, and obtaining a state PTA license are essential steps to enhance their credibility. Continuing education options and advanced proficiency credentials from the APTA may also improve starting pay in this competitive market. With realistic salary growth expectations and the right credentials, new PTAs can navigate their first few years effectively while working under the supervision of licensed physical therapists, adhering to state regulations and responding to the evolving Medicare landscape.
More salary data for Edina, MN:
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
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 Edina. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Edina 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