Physical Therapist Pay

Minneapolis vs Winona: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

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

Minneapolis, MN
$104,970
$50.47/hr
Winona, MN
$97,237
$46.75/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMinneapolis, MNWinona, MN
Median Salary$104,970$97,237
Hourly Rate$50.47$46.75
Entry Level (P10)$88,720$75,937
25th Percentile$99,806$82,548
75th Percentile$110,360$112,230
Top Earner (P90)$124,325$122,221
Total Employed3,3604
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Minneapolis ($104,970) and Winona ($97,237) physical therapist salaries.MinneapolisWinonaMedian Salary$104,970$97,237Entry Level (P10)$88,720$75,937Top Earner (P90)$124,325$122,221US Median $105,288

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Minneapolis and Winona is $7,733 (7.95%). Minneapolis's median is -0.30% compared to the US national median of $105,288.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Minneapolis spans $35,605,Winona spans $46,284. Winona has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.

Minneapolis
P10 (Entry)$88,720
P25$99,806
Median$104,970
P75$110,360
P90 (Top)$124,325
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, Minneapolis ($100,141 effective) pays 1.44% more than Winona ($98,718 effective).

Minneapolis
Nominal: $104,970
CoL Index: 104.822
Adjusted: $100,141
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 Minneapolis if…

  • Higher median salary ($104,970/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($124,325)
  • Larger job market (3,360 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,141)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Choose Winona if…

  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Minneapolis grew 22.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.5% growth in Winona over the same period.

Minneapolis, MN

+22.1%

$83,940 (2019) → $102,450 (2025)

Winona, MN

+10.5%

$85,880 (2024) → $94,902 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Minneapolis or Winona?

Minneapolis has a higher median physical therapist salary at $104,970/year, compared to Winona at $97,237/year — a difference of $7,733 (7.95%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Minneapolis and Winona?

Minneapolis physical therapists earn $50.47/hr while Winona hygienists earn $46.75/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Minneapolis and Winona. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Minneapolis = $100,141, Winona = $98,718), job availability (3,360 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $88,720 in Minneapolis and $75,937 in Winona. The Minneapolis 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