Fridley vs St. Cloud: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Fridley, MN and St. Cloud, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fridley, MN | St. Cloud, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,315 | $101,087▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.78 | $48.60▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,717 | $77,562▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,710 | $88,771▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $114,510 | $116,415▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $125,915 | $126,835▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 180▲ |
Verdict
St. Cloud, MN offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fridley.
The salary gap between Fridley and St. Cloud is $3,772 (3.88%). St. Cloud's median is -3.99% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fridley spans $50,198,St. Cloud spans $49,273. Fridley has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, St. Cloud ($115,354 effective) pays 16.76% more than Fridley ($98,797 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fridley if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,087/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($126,835)
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,354)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Fridley grew 10.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.8% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Fridley, MN
$85,950 (2024) → $94,979 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$82,350 (2019) → $98,660 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fridley, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Fridley or St. Cloud?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fridley and St. Cloud?
Should I relocate from Fridley to St. Cloud as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Fridley vs St. Cloud?
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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