Physical Therapist Salary in Duluth, MN: $99,069 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Duluth, MN earns a median $99,069/year (≈ $47.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Duluth's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 88.8), that paycheck buys what $111,604 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Minnesota state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Duluth, Minnesota, physical therapists can expect a median annual salary of $99,069 in 2026, which places them slightly below the national average of $105,288. The projected salary range indicates that entry-level therapists can earn approximately $80,779, while those at the top of their field could make up to $112,317. These figures are derived from comprehensive BLS OEWS surveys, demonstrating the ongoing impact of the cash-pay sports and orthopedic specialist trend that is influencing overall compensation. Given the area's healthcare dynamics, there is a strong demand for physical therapy services, leading to competitive salaries as therapists seek to establish a foothold in Duluth's job market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,779 | $38.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $83,618 | $40.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $99,069 | $47.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104,489 | $50.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112,317 | $54.00 |
Median Salary Position
5.91% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Duluth
In Duluth, MN, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,538 (2026 est.). At $99,069, the local median is 5.91% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Duluth: You'd be above the median
How Duluth Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Duluth median: $99,069/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Duluth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $102,555 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -5.91% less |
Physical Therapists in Duluth, MN earn a median of $99,069 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.91% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 3.40% below the Minnesota state average of $102,555.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Duluth has a cost of living 11.23% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Duluth, MN has a cost-of-living index of 88.768 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $99,069 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $111,604 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.65% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$82,400
2025 BLS Actual
$96,690
2026 Current Est.
$99,069
2019–2027 Growth
+23.2%
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 | $82,400 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,100 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,870 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,640 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,550 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,980 | Actual |
| 2025 | $96,690 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $99,069 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,506 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Duluth metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 17.3% from $82,400 (2019) to $96,690 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $101,506 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,106 (23.19%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $80,779 – $83,618 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $83,618 – $99,069 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $99,069 – $104,489 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $104,489 – $112,317 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Duluth
The local job market is relatively robust, with around 270 physical therapists currently employed in the area. However, with a cost-of-living index at 88.768, which falls below the national average, physical therapist pay in Duluth, MN, translates to enhanced purchasing power for residents. Among local employers, outpatient orthopedic clinics like Athletico and rehabilitation hospitals typically offer more competitive compensation packages. The disparity in pay can often be traced to various factors, including productivity expectations and available incentives for specialized board certifications. For those looking to maximize their earnings, focusing on developing expertise in high-demand areas like sports medicine and pursuing additional certifications can significantly enhance a therapist's value in this market.
More salary data for Duluth, 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 $96,690 for physical therapistsin the Duluth 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
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