Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Ramsey, MN: $74,456 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Ramsey, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $74,456 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Ramsey's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $75,590 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($100,055) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates in Ramsey, Minnesota can expect an entry-level physical therapist salary starting around $74,456. This figure represents the minimum threshold for those just starting their careers and is significantly lower than the median annual salary for physical therapists in the area, which is projected to be $100,055. For new grads, the pathway to professional growth is clear; with experience and skill development, it's realistic to move from the starting point to the 25th percentile salary of $86,170 or even approach the median within the first three to five years. Given the current economic climate, Ramsey presents a favorable market for new physical therapists, especially considering the 2.46% growth rate forecasted for the profession.
About the Ramsey Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Ramsey
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ramsey
Entry-level physical therapists in Ramsey, MN typically start between $74,456 and $86,170 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $56,495 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $100,055 — 4.97% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Minnesota of $120,000 represents just 161.17% of the starting physical therapist pay ($74,456/year) in Ramsey. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. Tuition varies substantially between public in-state DPT programs and private institutions; most programs require a prerequisite bachelor's degree.
PT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Ramsey
- 1Research the Ramsey market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $74,456 to $86,170, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Ramsey, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Ramsey for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Ramsey's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Compensation Range
The physical therapist wage spread in Ramsey is $56,495 ( 75.88%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $74,456, experienced hygienists can earn up to $130,951.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$58,519
2025 BLS Actual
$72,668
2026 Current Est.
$74,456
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Ramsey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,519 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,847 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,340 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,973 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,071 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,484 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,668 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,456 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,287 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Ramsey, MN grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $58,519 in 2019 to $72,668 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $76,287. New graduates entering the Ramsey job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ramsey 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.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Ramsey
In Ramsey, several employers actively seek to hire new graduates, particularly outpatient orthopedic chains that provide structured environments conducive to skill development and productivity bonuses. Hospital systems may offer residency programs that are essential for advancing one's career and earning potential, leading to board certification. Additionally, those considering roles in skilled nursing facilities might find themselves with higher starting pay; companies like Genesis and RehabCare are notable for this. To enhance starting salaries, graduates should focus on obtaining a DPT degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, followed by passing the NPTE national exam and securing a state PT license. Engaging in continuing education or pursuing board specialization can further elevate future earnings. In the first few years, young professionals should anticipate not just to adapt to the industry’s productivity models but also actively take part in various APTA resources to support ongoing career development.
More salary data for Ramsey, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Ramsey in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Ramsey?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Ramsey?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Ramsey?
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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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Ramsey. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ramsey 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