Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Mandan, ND: $74,436 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Mandan, ND — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $74,436/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Mandan's price premium (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $80,909 in average-cost America. The 24% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Achieving top-tier compensation as a physical therapist assistant in Mandan, North Dakota, requires not only substantial experience but also a strategic focus on specialized areas of practice. With a projected median annual salary of $59,912 in 2026, those who excel in their roles can aim for the upper echelon of earnings, where salaries can reach as high as $74,436 for the top 10% of earners. This indicates a pronounced salary gap driven by expertise in nuanced domains such as orthopedic or geriatric rehabilitation. To unlock this level of pay, PTAs must demonstrate advanced skill sets, possibly coupled with additional credentials that affirm their competencies and dedication to continued education in the field.
About the Mandan Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mandan
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Mandan earn between $67,714 and $74,436 per year (2026 est.). This $27,730 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Mandan median of $59,912 sits 14.71% below the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Mandan | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $59,912 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,714 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $74,436 | $91,954 |
In Mandan, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 24.24% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Mandan
Advanced Certifications in North Dakota
ND physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $59,912 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Mandan employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Mandan command premium compensation, often reaching the $67,714–$74,436 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Mandan 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 Mandan 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 North Dakota 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 Mandan
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMandan ranks #8 of 8 North Dakota cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $74,436).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Mandan ($74,436) is 9.4% below the North Dakota average P90 ($82,161).
2019 BLS Actual
$65,440
2025 BLS Actual
$72,458
2026 Current Est.
$74,436
2019–2027 Growth
+16.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Mandan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,440 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,759 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,897 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,993 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,908 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,671 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,458 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,436 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,468 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Mandan saw their compensation grow 10.7% from $65,440 in 2019 to $72,458 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 $76,468 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mandan 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 Mandan
For senior physical therapist assistant pay in ND to reflect the value of advanced practice, it’s crucial to consider the diverse sectors where PTAs can optimize their earnings. Those who navigate the realms of specialized therapy—be it sports medicine or pediatric care—often find themselves in a better position to negotiate salaries due to the scarcity of such expertise. Work settings also play a significant role; experienced PTAs in outpatient orthopedic clinics or skilled nursing facilities may possess differing compensation structures compared to those in home health or hospital environments. Furthermore, taking pathways toward positions like lead PTA or PTA program faculty can facilitate advancement and higher pay. Pursuing advanced credentials can further establish a PTA’s marketability. It's essential to stay aware of external factors such as the ongoing effects of Medicare cuts on compensation, particularly in transitional settings that rely heavily on such reimbursements, as these directly influence salary dynamics in the region.
More salary data for Mandan, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Mandan in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Mandan?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Mandan?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Mandan?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Mandan?
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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 $72,458 for physical therapist assistants in the Mandan 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 Mandan 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