Physical therapist salary in Minnesota.

The average physical therapist salary in Minnesota ranges from $88,000 to $105,000 per year, with a median near $95,000. Entry-level PTs start around $75,000–$85,000, while experienced therapists can exceed $100,000, especially in outpatient or metro settings.

At a glance: What you can expect in Minnesota.

• Most physical therapists in Minnesota earn in the range of high $80K to low $100K annually.¹
• School-based PTs work on an academic calendar with predictable raises and strong retirement benefits.
• Outpatient PTs often see higher earning ceilings, especially with specialization.
• Your pay will vary based on experience, location, and setting.
• To practice in Minnesota, you’ll need a DPT, NPTE passage, and Minnesota state licensure.²

How much do physical therapists make in Minnesota?

Physical therapists in Minnesota earn salaries that are comparable to or slightly above the national average.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for physical therapists nationally is in the mid-$90,000 range. Minnesota closely tracks—or in some cases exceeds—this benchmark.

Salary breakdown by experience:

What Impacts Physical Therapist Salary in Minnesota?

Several factors influence how much you can earn as a PT in Minnesota:

1. Location

• Minneapolis–St. Paul metro: Higher salaries, more opportunities
• Rural areas: Lower base pay, but may offer bonuses or relocation incentives

2. Experience

• Entry-level PTs start in the high $70Ks to mid-$80Ks
• With 5–10 years of experience, many earn $90K+
• Salary increases steadily with clinical experience

3. Practice Setting

Different work environments offer different compensation structures. There is not one “best” path to choose; it all depends on what you prioritize.

• Outpatient clinics: Higher earning potential, bonuses, specialization pay
• Hospitals: Competitive base salaries and benefits
• Schools: Lower base salary, but strong benefits and schedule stability
• Home health: Often higher pay per visit or flexible earnings

4. Education and Licensure

To practice in Minnesota, you must:

• Earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree
• Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)
• Obtain licensure through the Minnesota Board of Physical Therapy

Applicants must submit transcripts, examination scores, complete a criminal background check, and pass a jurisprudence exam. Licensure renewal is required every two years with continuing education requirements.²

School-based vs. outpatient PT salary in Minnesota.

While compensation is, of course, important, it should not be the only aspect of a physical therapist's job that you consider. Depending on your situation, you should also think about the perks and trade-offs that may come with working as a physical therapist in either a school-based or outpatient setting.

School-based physical therapist salary considerations.

If you value consistency, collaboration within educational teams, and long-term benefits, school-based roles offer meaningful stability.

School-based physical therapists in Minnesota typically work on a nine- to 10-month academic calendar. Compensation is often aligned with district salary schedules, meaning:

• Structured pay steps based on education and years of experience
• Predictable annual increases
• Strong public-sector retirement systems
• School holidays and summer breaks

While school-based roles may sometimes show slightly lower annual numbers compared to outpatient clinics, total compensation can feel very competitive when you factor in benefits and schedule flexibility.

Outpatient physical therapist salary considerations.

If your priority is maximizing income growth and building clinical expertise in a focused area, outpatient settings may provide the stronger upside.

Outpatient PT roles often provide higher earning ceilings. Many clinics offer:

• Competitive base salaries
• Productivity-based bonuses
• Specialty-based compensation increases
• Faster salary growth over time

In areas such as Minneapolis–St. Paul, outpatient salaries often sit toward the top of Minnesota’s pay range. Specializations such as orthopedics, sports rehab, pediatrics, and neuro can further increase earning potential.

Final thoughts.

Physical therapist salaries in Minnesota are strong and competitive, with most professionals earning in the high $80K to low $100K range—and more with experience, specialization, or metro placement.

Choosing between school-based and outpatient roles depends on your priorities:

• Stability and schedule? School-based may be ideal
• Higher earning potential? Outpatient may be the better path

Compensation matters—but so do work-life balance, support, and career growth.

Grow your career with Kelly Pediatric Therapy.

At Kelly Pediatric Therapy, we work with physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, psychologists, mental health professionals, and other clinicians to help you find the right school-based placements.

If you're looking to move forward in your professional career in a way that supports growth, balance, and impact—consider working with us as a school-based therapist.

When you work with Kelly Pediatric Therapy, you’ll enjoy competitive pay, compensation for documentation, access to mentorship, free professional development, and work-free nights, weekends, and holidays. 

Learn more about joining our team.

References

1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). Occupational Outlook Handbook: Physical Therapists. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapists.htm
2. Minnesota Board of Physical Therapy. (n.d.). Licensure Requirements. https://mn.gov/boards/physical-therapy/applicants/