Healthcare North Dakota (ND) Rank #38 of 50

Physical Therapist Salary in North Dakota

The median physical therapist salary in North Dakota is $87,948 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $97,720.

Median Salary
$87,948
vs National
$-9,772
State Rank
#38 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Physical Therapist Salary Overview in North Dakota (2026)

North Dakota ranks #38 out of 50 states for physical therapist compensation. Physical Therapist salaries in North Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $87,948 per year, physical therapists in North Dakota earn $9,772 less than the national median of $97,720.

A key advantage of working in North Dakota is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $87,948 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $97,720 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in North Dakota is significant: physical therapists at the 10th percentile earn $60,120, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $117,180 — a $57,060 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in North Dakota for this role is Fargo, where the median reaches $91,857.

Nationally, physical therapist employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in North Dakota and beyond.

Physical Therapist Salary in North Dakota by Experience

In North Dakota, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $61,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $115,200 per year. The cost of living index in North Dakota is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$61,200
$-6,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$88,200
$-9,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$115,200
$-12,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in North Dakota

Percentile ND Salary
10th Percentile $60,120
25th Percentile $72,180
Median (50th) $87,948
75th Percentile $104,760
90th Percentile $117,180

Physical Therapist Salary by City in North Dakota

The largest employment areas for physical therapists in North Dakota include Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Physical Therapist in North Dakota

Education

Most physical therapist positions require a doctoral degree. North Dakota has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Manual TherapyExercise PrescriptionPatient AssessmentRehabilitationAnatomyDocumentation

Job Outlook in North Dakota

Nationally, physical therapist employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). North Dakota's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in North Dakota

How much does a Physical Therapist make in North Dakota? ▼
The median physical therapist salary in North Dakota is $87,948 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $60,120 (10th percentile) to $117,180 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in North Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $87,948, a physical therapist in North Dakota earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Dakota a good state for physical therapists? ▼
North Dakota ranks #38 out of 50 states for physical therapist pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level physical therapists earn $61,200, while senior professionals earn $115,200.
How does North Dakota compare to other states for physical therapist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for physical therapists is Hawaii at $173,942. North Dakota's median of $87,948 ranks #38 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Michigan ($87,948) and Nebraska ($87,948).
What is the entry-level physical therapist salary in North Dakota? ▼
An entry-level physical therapist in North Dakota earns approximately $61,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $88,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $115,200.
What city in North Dakota pays physical therapists the most? ▼
Fargo is the highest paying city in North Dakota for physical therapists, with a median salary of $91,857. Other cities include Bismarck and Grand Forks.