Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in De Pere, WI: $76,145 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the De Pere, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,145 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out De Pere's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $81,526 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($100,649) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Newly graduated physical therapists entering the workforce in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,145 in De Pere, Wisconsin. This figure is noticeably lower than the overall city median of $100,649, creating a significant gap that reflects the entry-level nature of the position. However, there is a promising growth trajectory, as many new therapists can progress to the 25th percentile salary of $83,629 within a few years, and potentially reach the median salary with experience. Considering the 2.46% annual growth rate projected for the field, De Pere presents a solid market for new graduates, offering opportunities to build a rewarding career despite the initial lower starting pay compared to national standards.
About the De Pere Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in De Pere
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in De Pere
Entry-level physical therapists in De Pere, WI typically start between $76,145 and $83,629 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,475 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $100,649 — 4.41% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Wisconsin of $110,000 represents just 144.46% of the starting physical therapist pay ($76,145/year) in De Pere. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. Tuition varies substantially between public in-state DPT programs and private institutions; most programs require a prerequisite bachelor's degree.
PT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in De Pere
- 1Research the De Pere market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $76,145 to $83,629, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in De Pere, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in De Pere for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5De Pere's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Compensation Range
The physical therapist wage spread in De Pere is $47,475 ( 62.35%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,145, experienced hygienists can earn up to $123,620.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,847
2025 BLS Actual
$74,317
2026 Current Est.
$76,145
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in De Pere (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,847 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,205 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,664 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,425 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,616 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,610 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,317 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,145 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,018 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in De Pere, WI grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,847 in 2019 to $74,317 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,018. New graduates entering the De Pere job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the De Pere 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.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in De Pere
In De Pere, the most common hiring entities for new graduates are outpatient orthopedic chains, such as ATI and Athletico, which often provide structured productivity expectations for new physical therapists. Hospital systems typically offer residency programs that lead to valuable board certification, a step that can enhance both skills and salary potential. For entry-level practitioners in Wisconsin, obtaining the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTE national exam, and securing a state PT license are essential credentials. Additionally, becoming involved with the APTA can offer professional networking and educational opportunities. In the first couple of years, many new therapists might experience modest salary growth as they gain experience within the industry, especially if they choose to pursue further board specializations such as OCS or SCS. Overall, while the starting physical therapist salary in De Pere may not align with the higher end of the spectrum, strategic career choices and continued education can significantly enhance future earnings.
More salary data for De Pere, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in De Pere in 2026?
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Is physical therapy school worth it in De Pere?
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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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in De Pere. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for De Pere 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