Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Duluth, MN: $80,779 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Duluth, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $80,779 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Duluth's local price level (BEA RPP 88.8 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $91,000 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,069) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For those considering a career in physical therapy in Duluth, Minnesota, the entry-level physical therapist salary is projected to begin around $80,779 in 2026. This starting salary is approximately 18.3% lower than the city's median annual pay of $99,069, but new graduates should remain optimistic. There is a clear path for salary growth in the first few years, with expectations for earnings reaching about $83,618 within the first three to five years of practice. Given the projected annual growth rate of 2.46%, Duluth presents a stable market for new physical therapy graduates who are equipped with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. The local job market, alongside a relatively low cost of living index at 88.768, works to make this region an attractive location for recent graduates entering the workforce.
Career Earnings Timeline in Duluth
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Duluth
Entry-level physical therapists in Duluth, MN typically start between $80,779 and $83,618 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $31,538 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,069 — 5.91% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Minnesota of $120,000 represents just 148.55% of the starting physical therapist pay ($80,779/year) in Duluth. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. Tuition varies substantially between public in-state DPT programs and private institutions; most programs require a prerequisite bachelor's degree.
PT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Duluth
- 1Research the Duluth market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $80,779 to $83,618, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Duluth, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Duluth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Duluth's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Compensation Range
The physical therapist wage spread in Duluth is $31,538 ( 39.04%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $80,779, experienced hygienists can earn up to $112,317.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$67,480
2025 BLS Actual
$78,840
2026 Current Est.
$80,779
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Duluth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,480 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,980 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,210 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,640 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,120 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,450 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,840 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,779 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,767 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Duluth, MN grew 16.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $67,480 in 2019 to $78,840 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $82,767. New graduates entering the Duluth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Duluth metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.46% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Duluth
In Duluth, employers looking to hire newly minted DPT graduates often include outpatient orthopedic chains, which typically offer structured productivity ramps that allow for gradual salary increases. Many of these organizations, like ATI, Select Medical, and Athletico, have established themselves as key players in the market, though they may start salaries lower compared to hospital systems. Additionally, hospitals tend to have residency programs that pave the way for board certification, which can significantly enhance earning potential over time. Credentials such as a state PT license and successful completion of the NPTE are essential for entry into the profession. Continuing education and joining professional organizations, like APTA, can also provide pathways to board specialization that further increase starting physical therapist pay in MN. New graduates should set realistic salary expectations and consider the industry's evolving landscape, as shifts in reimbursement models influence productivity standards and pay structures, especially during their formative years in practice.
More salary data for Duluth, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Duluth in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Duluth?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Duluth?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Duluth?
How do I become a physical therapist in Minnesota?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Duluth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.46%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapists (SOC 29-1123).
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov