Physical Therapist Pay

Duluth vs Fridley: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist salaries between Duluth, MN and Fridley, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Duluth, MN
$99,069
$47.63/hr
Fridley, MN
$97,315
$46.78/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDuluth, MNFridley, MN
Median Salary$99,069$97,315
Hourly Rate$47.63$46.78
Entry Level (P10)$80,779$75,717
25th Percentile$83,618$82,710
75th Percentile$104,489$114,510
Top Earner (P90)$112,317$125,915
Total Employed2705
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Duluth ($99,069) and Fridley ($97,315) physical therapist salaries.DuluthFridleyMedian Salary$99,069$97,315Entry Level (P10)$80,779$75,717Top Earner (P90)$112,317$125,915US Median $105,288

Verdict

Duluth, MN offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fridley.

The salary gap between Duluth and Fridley is $1,754 (1.80%). Duluth's median is -5.91% compared to the US national median of $105,288.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Duluth spans $31,538,Fridley spans $50,198. Fridley has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.

Duluth
P10 (Entry)$80,779
P25$83,618
Median$99,069
P75$104,489
P90 (Top)$112,317
Fridley
P10 (Entry)$75,717
P25$82,710
Median$97,315
P75$114,510
P90 (Top)$125,915

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Duluth ($111,604 effective) pays 12.96% more than Fridley ($98,797 effective).

Duluth
Nominal: $99,069
CoL Index: 88.768
Adjusted: $111,604
Fridley
Nominal: $97,315
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $98,797

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Duluth if…

  • Higher median salary ($99,069/year)
  • Larger job market (270 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,604)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Choose Fridley if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($125,915)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Duluth grew 17.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.5% growth in Fridley over the same period.

Duluth, MN

+17.3%

$82,400 (2019) → $96,690 (2025)

Fridley, MN

+10.5%

$85,950 (2024) → $94,979 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Duluth or Fridley?

Duluth has a higher median physical therapist salary at $99,069/year, compared to Fridley at $97,315/year — a difference of $1,754 (1.80%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Duluth and Fridley?

Duluth physical therapists earn $47.63/hr while Fridley hygienists earn $46.78/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Duluth to Fridley as a physical therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Duluth and Fridley. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Duluth = $111,604, Fridley = $98,797), job availability (270 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Duluth vs Fridley?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $80,779 in Duluth and $75,717 in Fridley. The Duluth area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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Written by Alex Morgan, DPT

Career Analyst

Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.

Clinically reviewed by Jordan Lee, DPTData verified by Maria Garcia, DPT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov