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.
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.
| Experience Level | Typical Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–3 years) | $75,000 – $85,000 |
| Mid-Career (5–10 years) | $90,000 – $100,000+ |
| Experienced (10+ years) | $100,000+ |
Several factors influence how much you can earn as a PT in Minnesota:
Different work environments offer different compensation structures. There is not one “best” path to choose; it all depends on what you prioritize.
To practice in Minnesota, you must:
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
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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:
Compensation matters—but so do work-life balance, support, and career growth.
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.
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