Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Dickinson, ND: $70,905 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Dickinson, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $70,905 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dickinson's local price level (BEA RPP 92.0 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $77,071 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($94,714) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the physical therapy field in Dickinson, North Dakota, can expect a starting pay of approximately $70,905 in 2026. This starting physical therapist salary in Dickinson is notably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $94,714, highlighting a significant gap that early-career professionals will need to manage. However, over the first few years in entry-level positions, new grads can realistically anticipate salary growth to around $78,218 as they gain experience. With an ever-evolving healthcare landscape, it appears that Dickinson offers a favorable market for new physical therapists, especially considering the projected growth rate of 2.46%. This optimistic trajectory suggests that while the initial earnings may not compete with some larger markets, the potential for advancement within a few years is quite promising.
About the Dickinson Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dickinson
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 Dickinson
Entry-level physical therapists in Dickinson, ND typically start between $70,905 and $78,218 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $53,614 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $94,714 — 10.04% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in North Dakota of $95,000 represents just 133.98% of the starting physical therapist pay ($70,905/year) in Dickinson. 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 Dickinson
- 1Research the Dickinson market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $70,905 to $78,218, 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 ND often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Dickinson, 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 Dickinson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dickinson'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 Dickinson is $53,614 ( 75.61%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $70,905, experienced hygienists can earn up to $124,519.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$55,728
2025 BLS Actual
$69,203
2026 Current Est.
$70,905
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Dickinson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,728 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,993 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,558 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,923 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,825 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,121 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,203 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,905 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,650 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Dickinson, ND grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $55,728 in 2019 to $69,203 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $72,650. New graduates entering the Dickinson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dickinson 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 Dickinson
In Dickinson, several employers are well-known for hiring entry-level physical therapists, particularly outpatient orthopedic chains like ATI and Select Medical, which often offer structured productivity ramps to help new graduates ease into full caseloads. Hospital systems in the area present enticing opportunities as well, frequently providing residency programs that lead to board certification. For those new to the profession, holding a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program is essential, along with passing the NPTE national exam to secure a state license. Pursuing additional credentials, such as board specialization in areas like Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) or Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS), can further enhance a new grad's earning potential. As the market stabilizes after past reimbursement cuts, realistic salary growth expectations in the first few years hinge on the type of facility and specialty pursued, ensuring that diligent new professionals can find a pathway to not only meet but exceed their starting salaries.
More salary data for Dickinson, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Dickinson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dickinson 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