Physical Therapist Pay

Duluth vs Winona: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

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

Duluth, MN
$99,069
$47.63/hr
Winona, MN
$97,237
$46.75/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDuluth, MNWinona, MN
Median Salary$99,069$97,237
Hourly Rate$47.63$46.75
Entry Level (P10)$80,779$75,937
25th Percentile$83,618$82,548
75th Percentile$104,489$112,230
Top Earner (P90)$112,317$122,221
Total Employed2704
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Duluth ($99,069) and Winona ($97,237) physical therapist salaries.DuluthWinonaMedian Salary$99,069$97,237Entry Level (P10)$80,779$75,937Top Earner (P90)$112,317$122,221US Median $105,288

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Duluth and Winona is $1,832 (1.88%). 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,Winona spans $46,284. Winona 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
Winona
P10 (Entry)$75,937
P25$82,548
Median$97,237
P75$112,230
P90 (Top)$122,221

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Duluth ($111,604 effective) pays 13.05% more than Winona ($98,718 effective).

Duluth
Nominal: $99,069
CoL Index: 88.768
Adjusted: $111,604
Winona
Nominal: $97,237
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $98,718

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 Winona if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($122,221)
  • 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 Winona over the same period.

Duluth, MN

+17.3%

$82,400 (2019) → $96,690 (2025)

Winona, MN

+10.5%

$85,880 (2024) → $94,902 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Duluth or Winona?

Duluth has a higher median physical therapist salary at $99,069/year, compared to Winona at $97,237/year — a difference of $1,832 (1.88%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Duluth and Winona?

Duluth physical therapists earn $47.63/hr while Winona hygienists earn $46.75/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Duluth and Winona. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Duluth = $111,604, Winona = $98,718), job availability (270 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $80,779 in Duluth and $75,937 in Winona. 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