Physical Therapist in Plymouth, MN

The Salary Picture: Where Plymouth Stands

As a local career analyst who’s watched the healthcare job market here for years, I can tell you that Plymouth is a strong market for Physical Therapists (PTs), but it’s not the top earner in the Twin Cities metro. The city’s median salary for PTs sits at $101,056/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $48.58/hour. This edges out the national average of $99,710/year, but it’s important to understand where you fall on the experience spectrum.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn based on your years in the field. Keep in mind that these are estimates for the Plymouth area, which often aligns closely with the broader metro, but can vary by specific employer and setting (hospital vs. private clinic vs. home health).

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Plymouth, MN)	Notes on the Local Market
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$85,000 - $95,000	You'll likely start in an outpatient orthopedic clinic or a large hospital system. Many new grads find roles through clinical rotations.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$95,000 - $110,000	This is where you see the median hit. Specializing in areas like orthopedics, neuro, or pelvic health can push you to the upper end.
Senior (8-15 years)	$110,000 - $125,000	Management roles (Lead PT, Clinic Director) or niche specialties kick in here. Experience in home health can also be lucrative.
Expert (15+ years)	$125,000+	High-earning experts often have a mix of clinical expertise, business management, or specialized certifications (e.g., OCS, NCS).

Insider Tip: The 10-year job growth of 14% for PTs in the metro is a key driver. This isn't just population growth; it's fueled by aging demographics and the continued push for outpatient care over inpatient stays. Plymouth, with its mix of established neighborhoods and new developments, is right in the thick of this trend.

How does Plymouth stack up against other Minnesota cities? It’s a solid mid-tier performer. For example, PTs in the Minneapolis-St. Paul core often see slightly higher median salaries due to the concentration of major medical centers, but the cost of living also jumps. In more suburban areas like Edina or Minnetonka, salaries can be comparable or slightly higher, but Plymouth offers a unique balance of proximity to major employers without the highest rent prices. The key stat here is the 155 jobs available in the metro—that’s a healthy number, proving there’s consistent demand in the region.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to what really matters: your monthly budget. With a median salary of $101,056/year, your take-home pay after federal and state taxes (assuming you file singly and claim standard deductions) will be approximately $6,200 - $6,500/month. This is a realistic estimate for Minnesota’s tax structure.

Plymouth’s average 1BR rent is $1,201/month, and the cost of living index is 104.5 (US avg = 100). This means Plymouth is about 4.5% more expensive than the national average, but it’s very reasonable for the Twin Cities metro.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a PT earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$6,300	(After taxes, health insurance, retirement)
Rent (1BR)	$1,201	Averaged across the city
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$200	Winters are cold; heating costs are real.
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	A car is a necessity in Plymouth for commuting.
Groceries	$500
Healthcare (copays, meds)	$200
Retirement Savings (401k)	$600	Strongly recommended, especially with employer match.
Miscellaneous/Discretionary	$1,100	This gives you a healthy buffer for dining out, hobbies, and saving for goals.
Remaining	$2,000	This is your surplus for big goals.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With $2,000/month in surplus after a comfortable rental budget, a PT in Plymouth is in an excellent position to save for a down payment. The median home price in Plymouth is around $400,000. With a $2,000/month surplus, you could save a $80,000 down payment (20%) in just over three years. A 30-year mortgage on a $400k home with a $80k down payment would be roughly $1,600/month (including taxes and insurance). This is well within a manageable budget, especially for dual-income households.

Insider Tip: Many local employers, especially the large health systems, offer significant 401(k) matches. Maxing this out is the first step to financial stability, as it reduces your taxable income and builds wealth faster than savings accounts.

Where the Jobs Are: Plymouth's Major Employers

Plymouth’s job market for PTs is anchored by a few major players. The city is part of a dense healthcare network in the western metro, so your opportunities extend beyond the city limits but are concentrated in a few key areas.

1. CentraCare (formerly St. Cloud Hospital) - Plymouth Clinic: This is a major regional health system with a strong presence in Plymouth. They have a large outpatient orthopedic and sports medicine clinic. Hiring Trend: They are actively expanding their outpatient footprint and are a frequent employer of new graduates through clinical placements.

2. North Memorial Health - Plymouth: Part of the larger North Memorial system, this location focuses on primary and specialty care, including physical therapy. Hiring Trend: They often have openings for general outpatient PTs and are known for integrated care models.

3. Fairview Health Services (University of Minnesota Physicians): While their main campus is in Minneapolis, Fairview has numerous outpatient clinics in the western suburbs, including near Plymouth. Hiring Trend: They are a major employer with a focus on academic medicine, often seeking PTs with clinical interest or experience in teaching and mentorship.

4. Allina Health - Plymouth Clinic: Allina is another dominant health system in the region. Their Plymouth clinic offers a range of services, including physical therapy. Hiring Trend: Allina is consistently hiring to meet community demand, particularly in orthopedics and post-surgical rehab.

5. Home Health Agencies (e.g., AccentCare, Bayada Home Health Care): The aging population in Plymouth creates steady demand for home health PTs. Hiring Trend: This is a growing sector. Flexibility is key, and it often requires 2-3 years of experience. Salaries here can be higher due to mileage reimbursement and autonomy.

6. Private Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Clinics: There are several well-regarded private practices in the area (e.g., OrthoNeuro, Twin Cities Orthopedics). Hiring Trend: These clinics compete for top talent and often offer performance-based incentives. They are quick to hire when they see a fit.

7. Plymouth Creek Senior Living & similar facilities: For PTs interested in geriatrics or skilled nursing, these facilities offer a different patient population. Hiring Trend: Steady demand, especially for PTs who can manage complex cases and work collaboratively with OTs and SLPs.

Insider Tip: The best jobs in Plymouth are often not advertised. Network at local Minnesota Physical Therapy Association (MPTA) events (held in the Twin Cities). A personal referral from a current PT at a clinic can get your resume to the top of the pile.

Getting Licensed in MN

Minnesota has a clear but rigorous process for PT licensure, managed by the Minnesota Board of Physical Therapy. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail and time.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Education: You must graduate from a CAPTE-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.
2. National Exam (NPTE): Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for physical therapists. This is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
3. State Jurisprudence Exam: Minnesota requires you to pass its own jurisprudence exam, which tests your knowledge of state laws and regulations. You must score at least 80%.
4. Background Check: You must submit a fingerprint-based criminal background check.
5. Application: Submit a complete application to the Minnesota Board of Physical Therapy, including your NPTE scores, jurisprudence exam results, and proof of education.

Costs & Timeline:

• NPTE Exam Fee: ~$485 (paid to FSBPT).
• MN Jurisprudence Exam Fee: ~$50.
• MN License Application Fee: ~$150.
• Background Check Fee: ~$35.
• Total Estimated Cost: $720 (excluding travel for the exam).
• Timeline: From graduation to licensure, expect a 3-6 month window. If you’re already licensed in another state, Minnesota has reciprocity with many states, which can significantly speed up the process (often to 1-2 months).

Insider Tip: You can apply for a temporary permit while your full license is processing if you have a job offer. This allows you to start working under supervision immediately, which is a huge advantage in a competitive job market like Plymouth.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Plymouth is a suburb of Minneapolis, with a mix of older, established neighborhoods and newer developments. Your choice depends on your lifestyle, commute, and budget. Most PTs here are commuting to a clinic or hospital, so proximity to major highways (I-494, Highway 169, I-94) is key.

1. Downtown Plymouth (55441): This is the city's core, with a mix of apartments, condos, and single-family homes. It’s walkable to local shops and restaurants.

   • Commute: Excellent. You’re minutes from major employers like CentraCare and North Memorial.
   • Lifestyle: Vibrant, community-focused. Great for those who want to be near the action.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,250 - $1,450/month for a 1BR.

2. Medley (55446): A newer, master-planned community on the northwest side of Plymouth. It features modern townhomes and single-family homes with community pools and trails.

   • Commute: Very good. Easy access to Highway 55 and I-494.
   • Lifestyle: Family-friendly, quiet, and safe. Popular with young professionals and new families.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,500/month for a modern 1BR apartment or townhome.

3. East Medicine Lake (55441): This area is near Medicine Lake and features larger, older homes on spacious lots. It’s one of the more affluent neighborhoods in Plymouth.

   • Commute: Good. A short drive to I-494 and downtown Minneapolis.
   • Lifestyle: Established, quiet, and scenic. Ideal for those who want space and privacy.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,300/month for a 1BR apartment (many complexes are older but well-maintained).

4. West Plymouth (55442): This area is near the border of Plymouth and Maple Grove. It has a mix of older neighborhoods and newer developments, with great access to shopping and parks.

   • Commute: Good, but can be busier during rush hour on Highway 55.
   • Lifestyle: Suburban comfort with easy access to amenities. Very popular with families.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,150 - $1,350/month for a 1BR.

Insider Tip: Traffic in the Twin Cities is a real factor. If your job is in downtown Minneapolis, living in East Medicine Lake might add 10-15 minutes to your commute compared to Downtown Plymouth. However, if you work at a clinic in the western suburbs, you’ll have a reverse commute, which is much easier.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A PT career in Plymouth isn’t stagnant. The 14% job growth over the next decade is a testament to the region's forward-thinking approach to rehabilitation and wellness.

Specialty Premiums: Specializing is the fastest way to increase your earning potential.

• Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS): The gold standard for outpatient PTs. Can add $10,000 - $15,000 to your salary.
• Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS): Critical for roles in neuro rehab. Commands a similar premium.
• Pelvic Health Specialist: This is a rapidly growing, underserved niche. Clinics are willing to pay a premium for certified specialists.
• Certifications: Certifications in dry needling, vestibular rehab, or manual therapy (like Maitland or Mulligan) can also lead to higher pay or a lead therapist role.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Ladder: Move from staff PT to Lead PT to Clinic Director. Each step comes with a pay increase and more administrative responsibility.
2. Home Health/Travel PT: After a few years, many PTs move into home health for higher pay and autonomy, or into travel PT for short-term contracts (often paying 1.5x-2x the median salary).
3. Education & Research: With the University of Minnesota nearby, opportunities to teach or participate in research can be a long-term goal for those with an academic bent.

10-Year Outlook: The demand will remain strong. The key to growth will be adapting to value-based care models, where PTs are reimbursed based on patient outcomes, not just the number of visits. PTs who can demonstrate cost-effectiveness and high patient satisfaction will be the most valuable.

The Verdict: Is Plymouth Right for You?

Pros of Being a PT in Plymouth
Strong, Stable Job Market: With 155 jobs in the metro and 14% growth, opportunities are consistent.
Above-Median Salary: Earning $101,056/year while living in a suburb with a 104.5 cost of living is a financially sound move.
Excellent Work-Life Balance: Most clinics operate on a standard 8-5 M-F schedule. The suburb’s green spaces and parks promote an active lifestyle.
Access to Major Networks: You’re positioned in the heart of the Twin Cities healthcare ecosystem, allowing for easy networking and career pivots.
Quality of Life: Plymouth is safe, has great schools, and offers a community feel with big-city access.

Cons of Being a PT in Plymouth
Winters Are Long & Cold: From November to April, you’ll deal with snow, ice, and short days. A garage for your car is a luxury that feels like a necessity.
Car-Dependent Lifestyle: While you can find housing near your job, you’ll need a reliable car for commuting and errands.
Competitive for Top Jobs: The best positions at prestigious clinics or hospitals can be competitive. You need to stand out with experience or specialization.
Limited "Walkable" Living: While Downtown Plymouth is walkable, most of the city requires driving.

Final Recommendation: Plymouth is an excellent choice for Physical Therapists, especially those at the mid-career stage (3-10 years) looking to buy a home, raise a family, or find a stable, rewarding practice. It’s not the highest-paying city in the state, but the combination of a solid salary, manageable cost of living, and a robust job market creates a compelling value proposition. For new grads, it’s a great place to start, but be prepared to network aggressively to land that first role. For experienced PTs, it’s a market where you can leverage your skills into a lead or specialist position with a quality employer.

FAQs

Q: I’m a new graduate. Is it hard to find a job in Plymouth?
A: It’s competitive but very possible. The key is to be proactive. Do your clinical rotations in Plymouth or the western metro. Network with Minnesota PTA student members. Apply broadly to all major health systems (CentraCare, Fairview, Allina) and private clinics. Don’t be afraid to apply for jobs that ask for 1-2 years of experience; they often consider strong new grads.

Q: Do I need to be proficient in Spanish or another language?
A: It’s a significant advantage, not a strict requirement. While Plymouth’s population is predominantly English-speaking, the broader Twin Cities metro has a diverse patient base. Bilingual PTs are highly sought after by large health systems and can often negotiate a higher starting salary.

Q: What’s the typical work schedule for a PT in Plymouth?
A: Most outpatient clinics operate Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM. You’ll typically work a standard 8-10 hour shift within that window, with a predictable schedule. Hospital roles (like inpatient rehab) may require some weekend or evening shifts, but outpatient is generally