Senior Physical Therapist Salary in Williston, ND: $117,154 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapists working in Williston, ND — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $117,154/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1123. Strip back Williston's price premium (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $127,341 in average-cost America. The 27% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, senior physical therapists in Williston, North Dakota, can realize exceptional earning potential with top-tier salaries reaching $117,154 at the 90th percentile, and $107,555 at the 75th percentile. This lucrative compensation package highlights a significant experience premium, as the median salary for this position sits at $92,429, creating a noteworthy gap between average earnings and the highest achievers within the field. Achieving such elevated pay levels often requires extensive experience, advanced clinical skills, and specializations that not only enhance an individual’s capabilities but also increase their appeal in the job market, elevating them to the ranks of top earners among physical therapists in Williston.
About the Williston Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Williston
Experienced physical therapists at the top of the pay scale in Williston earn between $107,555 and $117,154 per year (2026 est.). This $43,946 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Williston median of $92,429 sits 12.21% below the US median.
Top PT Salary Comparison
| Level | Williston | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $92,429 | $105,288 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,555 | $124,141 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $117,154 | $138,464 |
In Williston, experienced physical therapists (P90) earn 26.75% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Pay in Williston
Advanced Certifications in North Dakota
ND physical therapists with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $92,429 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Williston employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Williston command premium compensation, often reaching the $107,555–$117,154 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Williston metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced physical therapists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured physical therapists in Williston with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Physical Therapists in North Dakota who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Physical Therapist Career & Wage Growth Path in Williston
Clinical Physical Therapist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWilliston ranks #4 of 8 North Dakota cities for top earner physical therapist salary (90th percentile: $117,154).
Top 10% physical therapist compensation in Williston ($117,154) is 5.75% above the North Dakota average P90 ($110,780).
2019 BLS Actual
$105,542
2025 BLS Actual
$114,341
2026 Current Est.
$117,154
2019–2027 Growth
+13.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Williston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $105,542 | Actual |
| 2020 | $107,268 | Actual |
| 2021 | $107,547 | Actual |
| 2022 | $109,002 | Actual |
| 2023 | $110,728 | Actual |
| 2024 | $97,657 | Actual |
| 2025 | $114,341 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $117,154 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $120,036 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapists (90th percentile) in Williston saw their compensation grow 8.3% from $105,542 in 2019 to $114,341 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.46% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $120,036 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Williston 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.
Maximizing Your Physical Therapist Earnings in Williston
Senior physical therapists in Williston can pursue numerous specialties that contribute to higher compensation. Focal areas such as orthopedic and neurologic rehabilitation, as well as women's health, often command premium pay. Employment settings also play a crucial role in compensation differences; those in outpatient orthopedic clinics may see varied pay from hospital systems that offer comprehensive benefits and potentially higher salaries. Advancing into leadership positions, such as clinic director or faculty roles in DPT programs, can open pathways to enhanced salaries as well. Notably, seeking advanced credentials like a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and special board certifications (such as OCS or SCS) can markedly influence earning capacity. Beyond base salaries, non-salary drivers such as productivity expectations and potential cash-pay models continue to shape the financial landscape for experienced physical therapists in ND.
More salary data for Williston, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapists make in Williston in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist pay in Williston?
What certifications boost physical therapist salary in Williston?
Can experienced physical therapists make six figures in Williston?
How much does physical therapist salary increase over time in Williston?
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $114,341 for physical therapists in the Williston metro area. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Williston 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