Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Plymouth, MN: $72,475 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Plymouth, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $72,475 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Plymouth's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $73,579 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($101,541) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the physical therapy field in Plymouth, Minnesota, can expect starting salaries around $72,475, which represents the lower end of the pay scale for this profession. This entry-level figure is notably below the median salary of $101,541 for physical therapists in the city, highlighting a significant gap that new professionals will need to navigate as they gain experience. Over the first few years of their careers, many new physical therapists will likely see their pay increase as they climb towards the 25th percentile earning of $87,658. Given the steady growth rate of 2.46% annually in the physical therapy sector, Plymouth presents a favorable job market for recent graduates, allowing for potential career advancement and salary increments as they accumulate experience and develop specialized skills.
About the Plymouth Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Plymouth
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 Plymouth
Entry-level physical therapists in Plymouth, MN typically start between $72,475 and $87,658 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $57,252 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $101,541 — 3.56% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Minnesota of $120,000 represents just 165.57% of the starting physical therapist pay ($72,475/year) in Plymouth. 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 Plymouth
- 1Research the Plymouth market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $72,475 to $87,658, 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 Plymouth, 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 Plymouth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Plymouth's moderate 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 Plymouth is $57,252 ( 79.00%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $72,475, experienced hygienists can earn up to $129,727.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$56,962
2025 BLS Actual
$70,735
2026 Current Est.
$72,475
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,962 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,255 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,788 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,271 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,260 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,756 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,735 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,475 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,258 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Plymouth, MN grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $56,962 in 2019 to $70,735 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $74,258. New graduates entering the Plymouth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plymouth 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 Plymouth
When considering employment opportunities in Plymouth, new grads often find that outpatient orthopedic chains are the most accessible employers, frequently hiring recent Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) graduates. Facilities like ATI, Select Medical, and Athletico provide structured productivity ramps, enabling newcomers to boost their earnings through performance metrics, although initial pay may be lower compared to hospital systems. Some healthcare systems offer residency programs aimed at board certification, which not only elevate a physical therapist’s credentials but can also lead to increased starting pay. In contrast, skilled nursing facilities, such as Genesis and RehabCare, tend to offer higher starting salaries, making them appealing options for recent graduates. To ensure a competitive entry-level physical therapist salary in Plymouth, candidates should focus on obtaining their DPT degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, pass the NPTE exam, and consider pursuing optional board specializations such as OCS or SCS. Additionally, engaging with the APTA and taking part in ongoing education can significantly enhance career prospects and salary growth in the first few years in the field.
More salary data for Plymouth, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Plymouth in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Plymouth?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Plymouth?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Plymouth?
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 Plymouth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Plymouth is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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