Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in St. Louis Park, MN: $48,191 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the St. Louis Park, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,191 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out St. Louis Park's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,925 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($66,642) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the physical therapist assistant (PTA) field in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, the projected starting salary in 2026 is set at $48,191, which is notably less than the city's median annual salary of $66,642. This gap suggests that entry-level positions may require commitment and strategic planning to reach higher salary tiers. New PTAs can realistically expect to see their pay increase through the early years of their careers, with an upward trajectory towards the $58,847 mark in their first few years. The market in St. Louis Park currently offers a favorable climate for new graduates, especially given a forecasted growth rate of 2.73% in employment, indicating potential opportunities for career advancement as the demand for physical therapy services continues to rise.
About the St. Louis Park Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in St. Louis Park
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 St. Louis Park
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in St. Louis Park, MN typically start between $48,191 and $58,847 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $37,239 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $66,642 — 5.13% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Minnesota of $22,000 represents just 45.65% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($48,191/year) in St. Louis Park. 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 St. Louis Park
- 1Research the St. Louis Park market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $48,191 to $58,847, 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 St. Louis Park, 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 St. Louis Park for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5St. Louis Park'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 St. Louis Park is $37,239 ( 77.27%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,191, experienced hygienists can earn up to $85,430.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,862
2025 BLS Actual
$46,910
2026 Current Est.
$48,191
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in St. Louis Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,862 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,245 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,624 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,578 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,369 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,548 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,910 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,191 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,506 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in St. Louis Park, MN grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,862 in 2019 to $46,910 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,506. New graduates entering the St. Louis Park job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the St. Louis Park 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 St. Louis Park
When considering employment opportunities in St. Louis Park, outpatient rehabilitation clinics tend to hire the largest number of new grad physical therapist assistants. While skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) still recruit PTAs despite reimbursement cuts, fresh graduates might find it beneficial to start in outpatient settings to gain essential experience. To enhance their earning potential, newcomers should ensure they hold a CAPTE-accredited associate's degree, pass the NPTAE national exam, obtain their state PTA license, and acquire CPR certification. Those looking to boost their qualifications may also explore advanced proficiency credentials through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Given the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut for PTA services, realistic salary expectations for the first three years will vary based on the setting and experience gained, but a strong initial strategy will pave the way for substantial professional growth in this field in St. Louis Park.
More salary data for St. Louis Park, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in St. Louis Park in 2026?
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Is physical therapy school worth it in St. Louis Park?
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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 St. Louis Park. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for St. Louis Park 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