Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Manitowoc, WI: $78,014 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Manitowoc, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,014 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Manitowoc's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,527 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($98,040) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For recent graduates in the physical therapy field, the starting physical therapist salary in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, is projected to be around $78,014 in 2026. While this figure is lower than the city’s median salary of $98,040, entry-level positions still offer a solid foundation for new therapists. Over the first three to five years of employment, early-career professionals can realistically expect their salaries to increase progressively, reaching the 25th percentile at approximately $84,300. This growth trajectory is promising for Manitowoc, where the demand for physical therapists aligns well with a 2.46% annual growth rate anticipated in the coming years, making it a viable market for newcomers entering the profession.
About the Manitowoc Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Manitowoc
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 Manitowoc
Entry-level physical therapists in Manitowoc, WI typically start between $78,014 and $84,300 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,922 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $98,040 — 6.88% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Wisconsin of $110,000 represents just 141.00% of the starting physical therapist pay ($78,014/year) in Manitowoc. 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 Manitowoc
- 1Research the Manitowoc market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $78,014 to $84,300, 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 Manitowoc, 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 Manitowoc for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Manitowoc'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 Manitowoc is $46,922 ( 60.15%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,014, experienced hygienists can earn up to $124,936.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$61,316
2025 BLS Actual
$76,141
2026 Current Est.
$78,014
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Manitowoc (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,316 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,707 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,128 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,031 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,324 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,208 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,141 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,014 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,933 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Manitowoc, WI grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $61,316 in 2019 to $76,141 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,933. New graduates entering the Manitowoc job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manitowoc 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 Manitowoc
In Manitowoc, various employers actively seek new graduate physical therapists, offering considerably different experiences and compensation. Outpatient orthopedic chains like ATI and Select Medical often hire entry-level therapists, implementing structured productivity ramps that enable recent graduates to transition smoothly into professional practice. Alternatively, larger hospital systems might provide residency programs guiding new therapists toward board certification, which can enhance career opportunities and pay. For those starting in skilled nursing facilities, like Genesis Rehabilitation Services or RehabCare, the initial salary tends to be higher. Graduates should prioritize obtaining their Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTE, and obtaining a state PT license. Furthermore, engaging in continuing education or pursuing board specialization through APTA can significantly boost earning potential. With realistic expectations, entry-level therapists can see substantial salary growth within their first few years in the ever-evolving healthcare environment of Manitowoc.
More salary data for Manitowoc, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Manitowoc in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Manitowoc?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Manitowoc?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Manitowoc?
How do I become a physical therapist in Wisconsin?
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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 Manitowoc. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Manitowoc 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