Physical Therapist Salary in West Fargo, ND: $95,196 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in West Fargo, ND earns a median $95,196/year (≈ $45.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in West Fargo's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.0), that paycheck buys what $103,474 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the North Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in West Fargo are projected to earn a median annual salary of $95,196, which is approximately 9.59% lower than the national median of $105,288. The salary range for this profession in the area spans from $72,070 at the 10th percentile to $126,038 at the 90th percentile, indicating a broad distribution of earnings based on factors like experience and specialization. These figures are derived from comprehensive estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments. The job market for physical therapists is influenced by productivity expectations, where daily visit quotas can significantly impact hourly compensation. In West Fargo, effective management of patient visits plays a vital role in determining take-home pay for practitioners.
About the West Fargo Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,070 | $34.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $79,210 | $38.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $95,196 | $45.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $108,353 | $52.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $126,038 | $60.59 |
Median Salary Position
9.59% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in West Fargo
In West Fargo, ND, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,968 (2026 est.). At $95,196, the local median is 9.59% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in West Fargo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How West Fargo Physical Therapist Pay Compares
West Fargo median: $95,196/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | West Fargo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Average | $96,842 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -9.59% less |
Physical Therapists in West Fargo, ND earn a median of $95,196 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.59% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 1.70% below the North Dakota state average of $96,842.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
West Fargo has a cost of living 8.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
West Fargo, ND has a cost-of-living index of 92 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $95,196 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $103,474 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.7% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$80,867
2025 BLS Actual
$92,910
2026 Current Est.
$95,196
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in West Fargo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80,867 | Actual |
| 2020 | $82,286 | Actual |
| 2021 | $86,454 | Actual |
| 2022 | $88,353 | Actual |
| 2023 | $90,152 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,565 | Actual |
| 2025 | $92,910 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $95,196 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $97,537 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the West Fargo metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $80,867 (2019) to $92,910 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $97,537 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,670 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the West Fargo 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) | $72,070 – $79,210 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $79,210 – $95,196 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $95,196 – $108,353 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $108,353 – $126,038 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in West Fargo
With only 10 physical therapists currently employed in West Fargo, the local job market is somewhat limited, presenting both challenges and opportunities for professionals in the field. The area's cost-of-living index stands at 92, which is 8% below the national average, suggesting that take-home purchasing power may be more favorable compared to larger cities. Rehabilitation facilities and outpatient orthopedic clinics, especially private practices like ATI and Athletico, often feature competitive salaries but may have differing productivity expectations. The wage range among local employers may reflect various factors, including board certifications like OCS or SCS, clinic ownership incentives, and the growing trend of cash-pay models versus traditional insurance practices. To maximize physical therapist pay in West Fargo, focusing on building a strong patient base, pursuing advanced certifications, and staying adaptable to changing payment models can effectively enhance earning potential.
More salary data for West Fargo, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in West Fargo, ND in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in West Fargo?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist salary in West Fargo?
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Related Pages
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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 $92,910 for physical therapistsin the West Fargo 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 West Fargo 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