Duluth vs Northfield: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Duluth, MN and Northfield, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Duluth, MN | Northfield, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,069▲ | $97,963 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.63▲ | $47.10 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,779▲ | $77,065 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,618▲ | $83,114 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,489 | $112,099▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,317 | $120,608▲ |
| Total Employed | 270▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Duluth, MN offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Northfield.
The salary gap between Duluth and Northfield is $1,106 (1.13%). 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,Northfield spans $43,543. Northfield has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Duluth ($111,604 effective) pays 12.22% more than Northfield ($99,455 effective).
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 Northfield if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($120,608)
- ✓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 Northfield over the same period.
Duluth, MN
$82,400 (2019) → $96,690 (2025)
Northfield, MN
$86,522 (2024) → $95,611 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Duluth, MN
Northfield, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Duluth or Northfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Duluth and Northfield?
Should I relocate from Duluth to Northfield as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Duluth vs Northfield?
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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.
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