Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Elk River, MN: $48.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Elk River, MN runs $48.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,525 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Elk River's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,316 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elk River, Minnesota, physical therapists earn a median hourly rate of $48.33, which is slightly below the national median of $50.62. This pay structure allows for varying earning potentials, making part-time and per-diem positions appealing. For example, a physical therapist working three days a week in one of Elk River's outpatient clinics can expect to earn a modest but stable income, while those pursuing per-diem opportunities in hospital and home health settings have the flexibility to increase their hours and pay rates. The hourly compensation ranges from $38.92 for entry-level positions to as high as $63.84 for experienced professionals, reflecting the diverse experiences and specialties within the field.
About the Elk River Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.92 | $311.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.90 | $335.17 |
| Median (P50) | $48.33 | $386.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.82 | $438.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.84 | $510.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elk River
Based on $48.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.33/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elk River, MN can expect to earn approximately $100,527 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,996. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Elk River.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elk River
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,933.22 | $8,377 | $100,527 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,159.93 | $5,026 | $60,316 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $773.29 | $3,351 | $40,211 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Elk River) | $48.33 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Chiropractor (National Avg) | $36.85 |
| Exercise Physiologist (National Avg) | $26.75 |
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.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.33/hr = $60,316/year (purchasing power: $61,235).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,527/year (purchasing power: $102,058).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate 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 | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Elk River grew 14.9% from $41.06/hr (2019) to $47.17/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.52/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist in Elk River
When contemplating part-time work, physical therapists in Elk River can find themselves with a substantial difference in their annual take-home compared to full-time counterparts. For someone working a typical 24-hour week, annual earnings can vary significantly based on the setting and demand, particularly in outpatient clinics versus skilled nursing facilities. Per diem physical therapist pay in Elk River typically hovers around $50-$75 per hour, while travel contracts can lead to weekly earnings of $1,800-$2,800, reflecting a growing trend in demand for flexible services. In outpatient settings, hourly rates can differ based on whether the clinic is a part of a larger chain like Athletico or operates as an independent practice. Some therapists might strategically choose lower-paying positions with benefits, balancing immediate hourly earnings against longer-term financial security. Negotiating hours and rate structures is essential; understanding the specific demands and reimbursement models of Elk River’s healthcare landscape can greatly influence both entry-level and seasoned therapists when entering discussions about compensation.
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapists in Elk River. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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