Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Mandan, ND: $75,621 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Mandan, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,621 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Mandan's local price level (BEA RPP 92.0 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $82,197 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($90,532) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new physical therapy graduates starting their careers in Mandan, North Dakota, the entry-level salary expectations in 2026 paint a clear picture. Entry-level positions typically start at around $75,621, which is significantly lower than the overall city median of $90,532. This gap underscores the common trajectory for new grads, where earnings can progress from $75,621 to approximately $77,965 within the first few years, potentially reaching the median as experience accumulates. Given the growth rate of 2.46% projected annually, Mandan presents a moderately promising job market for new physical therapists, which can be further enhanced by understanding local healthcare dynamics and leveraging professional development opportunities.
About the Mandan Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Mandan
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 Mandan
Entry-level physical therapists in Mandan, ND typically start between $75,621 and $77,965 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $37,376 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $90,532 — 14.01% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in North Dakota of $95,000 represents just 125.63% of the starting physical therapist pay ($75,621/year) in Mandan. 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 Mandan
- 1Research the Mandan market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $75,621 to $77,965, 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 ND often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Mandan, 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 Mandan for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Mandan's below-average 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 Mandan is $37,376 ( 49.43%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,621, experienced hygienists can earn up to $112,997.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,434
2025 BLS Actual
$73,805
2026 Current Est.
$75,621
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Mandan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,434 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,783 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,253 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,974 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,136 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,078 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,805 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,621 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,481 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Mandan, ND grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,434 in 2019 to $73,805 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,481. New graduates entering the Mandan job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mandan 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 Mandan
In Mandan, various employers actively recruit newly minted physical therapists, particularly outpatient orthopedic chains and hospital systems. Facilities like ATI, Select Medical, and Athletico are known for hiring fresh graduates and often implement structured productivity metrics, which may influence initial pay levels. However, hospital systems usually offer more comprehensive residency programs that can lead to board certification, enhancing long-term earning potential. Credentials such as a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from a CAPTE-accredited program and passing the NPTE exam are essential for practice. Some graduates may opt for additional training through residency or fellowship programs to specialize, further increasing their appeal in the job market. Realistically, those starting their careers in Mandan can expect steady, if modest, salary growth as they establish themselves in this evolving sector, especially within a healthcare landscape that is stressing productivity following cuts in CMS reimbursements.
More salary data for Mandan, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Mandan in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Mandan?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Mandan?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Mandan?
How do I become a physical therapist in North Dakota?
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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 Mandan. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Mandan 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