Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in St. Paul, MN: $70,975 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in St. Paul, MN earns a median $70,975/year (≈ $34.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in St. Paul's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $72,056 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.6% above the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for physical therapist assistants in St. Paul, Minnesota, reaches an impressive $70,975, slightly above the national average of $70,247. Salary ranges significantly, from $48,790 at the 10th percentile to $100,766 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse opportunities available within the field. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, highlight the competitive nature of compensation, influenced by factors such as setting, experience, and workload. The job market in St. Paul is shaped by the demand for skilled professionals, making it a viable location for those entering the profession.
About the St. Paul Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,790 | $23.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,509 | $29.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,975 | $34.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,521 | $39.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100,766 | $48.45 |
Median Salary Position
1.04% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in St. Paul
In St. Paul, MN, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,976 (2026 est.). At $70,975, the local median is 1.04% above the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in St. Paul: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How St. Paul Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
St. Paul median: $70,975/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | St. Paul Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $69,177 | +2.60% more |
| National Average | $70,247 | +1.04% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in St. Paul, MN earn a median of $70,975 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.04% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 2.60% above the Minnesota state average of $69,177.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
St. Paul has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
St. Paul, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $70,975 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,056 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,400
2025 BLS Actual
$69,089
2026 Current Est.
$70,975
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in St. Paul (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,400 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,390 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,814 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,421 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,744 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,575 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,089 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,975 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,913 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the St. Paul metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $59,400 (2019) to $69,089 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,913 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,513 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the St. Paul 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) | $48,790 – $61,509 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,509 – $70,975 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,975 – $81,521 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,521 – $100,766 |
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 St. Paul
Analyzing the job market further, there are currently 80 physical therapist assistants employed in the St. Paul area, presenting a unique landscape for job seekers. The cost of living index stands at 98.5, demonstrating a slightly lower cost of living than the national average, which may enhance the overall purchasing power of salaries here. Major employers that tend to offer higher pay include outpatient orthopedic clinics and hospital inpatient rehab settings, with physical therapist assistant pay in St. Paul MN often influenced by productivity expectations and the varying reimbursement rates, particularly following the recent Medicare cuts. To maximize earning potential, individuals should focus on seeking opportunities in higher-paying environments, pursuing specialty certifications, and considering roles that include overtime or weekend shifts. Additionally, as staffing needs evolve, there is room for growth and advancement, making this a promising region for those considering a career as a physical therapist assistant.
More salary data for St. Paul, 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
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 $69,089 for physical therapist assistantsin the St. Paul 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 St. Paul 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