Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Oshkosh, WI: $82,316 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Oshkosh, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $82,316 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Oshkosh's local price level (BEA RPP 92.9 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $88,579 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($102,511) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the physical therapy field in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the starting physical therapist salary is around $82,316. This initial compensation sets the stage for future earnings, with the potential to reach the median annual salary of $102,511 within just a few years. As entry-level therapists gain experience and skills, salaries may rise steadily towards the 25th percentile, which sits at $84,745. Given the current market dynamics in Oshkosh, where the anticipated growth rate for physical therapy roles is 2.46% annually, this city presents a promising environment for new graduates. The salary range showcases a significant gap between entry-level pay and the overall median, indicating that entering the profession in Oshkosh can lead to respectable earnings as experience builds.
Career Earnings Timeline in Oshkosh
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 Oshkosh
Entry-level physical therapists in Oshkosh, WI typically start between $82,316 and $84,745 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,495 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $102,511 — 2.64% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Wisconsin of $110,000 represents just 133.63% of the starting physical therapist pay ($82,316/year) in Oshkosh. 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 Oshkosh
- 1Research the Oshkosh market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $82,316 to $84,745, 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 Oshkosh, 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 Oshkosh for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Oshkosh'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 Oshkosh is $43,495 ( 52.84%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $82,316, experienced hygienists can earn up to $125,811.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,920
2025 BLS Actual
$80,340
2026 Current Est.
$82,316
2019–2027 Growth
+56.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Oshkosh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,920 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,170 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,900 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,820 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,550 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,550 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,340 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,316 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,341 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Oshkosh, WI grew 49.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,920 in 2019 to $80,340 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $84,341. New graduates entering the Oshkosh job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oshkosh 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 Oshkosh
Employers in Oshkosh actively hiring new graduate physical therapists include outpatient orthopedic chains, which are often prepared to invest in structured productivity ramps for early-career professionals. Hospital systems in the area also present residency programs that facilitate board certification, making them attractive options for recent graduates. Skilled nursing facility rehab firms like Genesis and RehabCare are noted for offering competitive starting salaries, appealing to those entering this essential field. To enhance their earning potential, new graduates should focus on obtaining their Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program and prepare for the NPTE exam to secure their state PT license. Additionally, participating in an optional residency or fellowship can lead to board specialization, such as OCS or SCS, which may further boost salary prospects. Given the evolving reimbursement landscape and increasing productivity expectations, strategic career planning during the first few years can enable newly minted therapists to thrive in Oshkosh’s physical therapy job market.
More salary data for Oshkosh, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Oshkosh. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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