Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Winona, MN: $75,937 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Winona, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,937 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Winona's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $77,093 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($97,237) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates pursuing a career as physical therapists in Winona, Minnesota, can anticipate starting salaries around $75,937, significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $97,237. This gap highlights the need for entry-level professionals to manage their expectations while aiming for upward mobility. Typically, early-career physical therapists can experience salary growth as they gain practical experience, moving from the 10th percentile earning $75,937 to the 25th percentile at $82,548 within just a few years. With a projected annual growth rate of 2.46%, Winona remains a reasonable market for fresh DPT graduates, offering them opportunities for advancement and a solid foundation for their careers.
About the Winona Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Winona
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 Winona
Entry-level physical therapists in Winona, MN typically start between $75,937 and $82,548 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,284 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $97,237 — 7.65% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Minnesota of $120,000 represents just 158.03% of the starting physical therapist pay ($75,937/year) in Winona. 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 Winona
- 1Research the Winona market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $75,937 to $82,548, 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 Winona, 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 Winona for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Winona'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 Winona is $46,284 ( 60.95%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,937, experienced hygienists can earn up to $122,221.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,683
2025 BLS Actual
$74,114
2026 Current Est.
$75,937
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Winona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,683 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,038 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,501 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,246 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,425 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,830 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,114 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,937 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,805 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Winona, MN grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,683 in 2019 to $74,114 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,805. New graduates entering the Winona job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winona 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 Winona
Employers in Winona play an essential role in shaping the early careers of physical therapists. Outpatient orthopedic chains, such as ATI and Athletico, are among the top hirers of new grad physical therapists, often providing structured productivity ramps that allow for gradual acclimatization, although they may not offer the highest starting salaries. Hospital systems, by contrast, tend to provide robust residency programs that lead to board certification, enhancing marketability and salary potential. Additionally, skilled nursing facilities like Genesis and RehabCare might offer higher starting pay, appealing to those entering the field. To bolster earning potential, new graduates should prioritize obtaining their Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTE national exam, and acquiring state licensure. Engaging in continuous education and potentially pursuing board specialization through residency or fellowship training can also foster a more successful career trajectory. As starting physical therapist salaries in Winona remain competitive but slightly below the national average of $105,288, new physical therapy professionals should adopt strategic approaches during the formative years of their career to maximize growth potential.
More salary data for Winona, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Winona in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Winona?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Winona?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Winona?
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 Winona. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Winona 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