Physical Therapist Salary in Austin, MN: $97,045 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Austin, MN earns a median $97,045/year (≈ $46.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Austin's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $98,523 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.4% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in Austin, Minnesota, can expect a median annual salary of $97,045, reflecting a competitive compensation structure in the healthcare sector. This figure represents a salary range that spans from $72,151 at the 10th percentile to $121,619 at the 90th percentile. Comparing this to the national median of $105,288, the local pay slightly lags at approximately 7.83% lower than the national average. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost variances, suggest a diverse employment landscape, predominantly shaped by the structural choice of outpatient chains versus hospital settings. As the job market strengthens, it’s essential for prospective physical therapists in Austin to understand these financial nuances and their implications for career decisions.
About the Austin Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,151 | $34.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $80,002 | $38.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $97,045 | $46.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $111,789 | $53.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $121,619 | $58.47 |
Median Salary Position
7.83% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Austin
In Austin, MN, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,468 (2026 est.). At $97,045, the local median is 7.83% below the national median of $105,288.
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At 40 hours/week in Austin: You'd be above the median
How Austin Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Austin median: $97,045/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Austin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $102,585 | -5.40% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -7.83% less |
Physical Therapists in Austin, MN earn a median of $97,045 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.83% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 5.40% below the Minnesota state average of $102,585.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Austin has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Austin, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $97,045 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $98,523 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$82,438
2025 BLS Actual
$94,715
2026 Current Est.
$97,045
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Austin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,438 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,885 | Actual |
| 2021 | $88,134 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,070 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,904 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,711 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,715 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $97,045 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $99,432 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Austin metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $82,438 (2019) to $94,715 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $99,432 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,994 (20.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Austin 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) | $72,151 – $80,002 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $80,002 – $97,045 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $97,045 – $111,789 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $111,789 – $121,619 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Austin
While there are only four physical therapists currently practicing in Austin, the local market offers viable opportunities for those seeking to maximize their earnings. The cost-of-living index sits at 98.5, indicating that expenses in the area are slightly below national averages, thus enhancing take-home purchasing power for local practitioners. Outpatient orthopedic clinics, particularly established chains like ATI and Athletico, may offer lower base salaries than hospitals but often provide bonuses tied to productivity expectations. Factors such as board certification premiums, ownership stakes in private practices, and the burgeoning trend of cash-pay services can significantly widen the pay spectrum for physical therapists. To thrive and secure higher compensation, developing specialization credentials (e.g., OCS or SCS), understanding insurance reimbursement pathways, and enhancing patient throughput will be crucial strategies for success in Austin's evolving healthcare environment.
More salary data for Austin, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Austin, MN in 2026?
Is Austin, MN a good place to work as a physical therapist?
Can physical therapists make $100K in Austin?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist salary in Austin?
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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 $94,715 for physical therapistsin the Austin 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 Austin 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