Physical Therapist Salary in Cottage Grove, MN: $101,265 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Cottage Grove, MN earns a median $101,265/year (≈ $48.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Cottage Grove's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $102,807 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cottage Grove, Minnesota, the projected median annual salary for physical therapists in 2026 is $101,265, showing a slight decrease from the national median of $105,288. The salary range for physical therapists in the area spans from $77,494 at the 10th percentile to $125,415 at the 90th percentile. Local estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, reflecting the area's unique economic landscape. The choice of practice environment significantly impacts earnings; while outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer competitive salaries, hospital-based positions often yield higher compensation due to different service demands and patient complexities. Given the subtle shortages in healthcare staffing, particularly in outpatient settings, Cottage Grove's job market offers unique opportunities for aspiring physical therapists.
About the Cottage Grove Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,494 | $37.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,793 | $40.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $101,265 | $48.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $115,741 | $55.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $125,415 | $60.30 |
Median Salary Position
3.82% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cottage Grove
In Cottage Grove, MN, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,921 (2026 est.). At $101,265, the local median is 3.82% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cottage Grove: You'd be above the median
How Cottage Grove Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Cottage Grove median: $101,265/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cottage Grove Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $102,599 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -3.82% less |
Physical Therapists in Cottage Grove, MN earn a median of $101,265 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.82% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 1.30% below the Minnesota state average of $102,599.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cottage Grove has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cottage Grove, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $101,265 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $102,807 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$86,023
2025 BLS Actual
$98,834
2026 Current Est.
$101,265
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Cottage Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $86,023 | Actual |
| 2020 | $87,533 | Actual |
| 2021 | $91,967 | Actual |
| 2022 | $93,987 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,901 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,438 | Actual |
| 2025 | $98,834 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $101,265 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,756 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cottage Grove metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $86,023 (2019) to $98,834 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $103,756 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,733 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cottage Grove 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $77,494 – $84,793 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,793 – $101,265 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $101,265 – $115,741 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $115,741 – $125,415 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Cottage Grove
The job market in Cottage Grove currently employs eight physical therapists, establishing a tight-knit professional community. With a cost-of-living index of 98.5, financial considerations factor heavily into the purchasing power of physical therapist pay in Cottage Grove, MN. Outpatient orthopedic clinics, including popular chains such as Athletico or ATI, typically offer salaries lower than those found in hospital settings, but they may present opportunities for productivity bonuses. The salary disparity is influenced by several factors including productivity expectations, specialization stipends for board certifications (such as OCS or SCS), and the increasing trend of cash-pay versus insurance practices. As productivity pressures increase due to reimbursement cuts, physical therapists in the area can enhance their pay by pursuing board certifications and gaining experience in high-demand specialties.
More salary data for Cottage Grove, MN:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $98,834 for physical therapistsin the Cottage Grove metropolitan area. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cottage Grove 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