Physical Therapist Salary in Elk River, MN: $100,525 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Elk River, MN earns a median $100,525/year (≈ $48.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Elk River's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $102,056 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Elk River, Minnesota, presents a median annual pay of $100,525 for physical therapists, reflecting a growing trend in cash-pay models particularly within sports and orthopedic specialties. With a salary range spanning from $80,960 at the lower percentile to $132,797 at the upper range, these figures highlight a competitive compensation landscape bolstered by regional adjustments in cost of living. Based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, this salary offers insight into the evolving market for therapists in Elk River, especially as demand for specialized care continues to rise. This emerging trend helps drive higher earnings potential, especially for skilled therapists adept in lucrative practice models.
About the Elk River Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,960 | $38.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $87,151 | $41.90 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $100,525 | $48.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $114,010 | $54.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $132,797 | $63.84 |
Median Salary Position
4.52% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elk River
In Elk River, MN, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,837 (2026 est.). At $100,525, the local median is 4.52% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elk River: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elk River Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Elk River median: $100,525/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elk River Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $102,576 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -4.52% less |
Physical Therapists in Elk River, MN earn a median of $100,525 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.52% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 2.00% below the Minnesota state average of $102,576.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elk River 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.
Elk River, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $100,525 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $102,056 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$85,394
2025 BLS Actual
$98,111
2026 Current Est.
$100,525
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Elk River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $85,394 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,893 | Actual |
| 2021 | $91,294 | Actual |
| 2022 | $93,299 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,199 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,784 | Actual |
| 2025 | $98,111 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,525 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,997 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elk River metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $85,394 (2019) to $98,111 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $102,997 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,603 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elk River 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) | $80,960 – $87,151 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $87,151 – $100,525 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $100,525 – $114,010 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $114,010 – $132,797 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Elk River
In terms of job availability, Elk River currently employs four physical therapists, indicating a relatively small workforce within the area. The local cost of living index at 98.5 suggests that the take-home purchasing power for therapists in Elk River is bolstered by lower living costs compared to the national average. Among various employers, outpatient orthopedic clinics—especially well-known chains like ATI and Athletico—tend to offer competitive pay structured around productivity-based incentives and bonuses. Differentiation in pay levels can be attributed to factors like board certification stipends, clinic ownership equity opportunities, and practice models that prioritize cash payments over insurance. For aspiring therapists seeking to maximize their earnings, pursuing additional board certifications such as OCS or SCS, and negotiating for productivity bonuses or equity stakes in clinics can significantly enhance their financial prospects in Elk River.
More salary data for Elk River, 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 $98,111 for physical therapistsin the Elk River 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 Elk River 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