Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Pleasant Prairie, WI: $75,634 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Pleasant Prairie, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,634 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pleasant Prairie's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,979 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($97,374) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates considering a career as a physical therapist in Pleasant Prairie, WI, the starting physical therapist salary is projected at $75,634 in 2026. This entry-level pay marks the groundwork for a promising career, especially when compared to the median annual salary of $97,374 in the city—an approximate gap of $21,740. Within the critical first few years, it is realistic for entry-level professionals to expect salary growth from the lower percentiles toward the median, with many graduating from their first position at about $81,986 after a year or two of experience. Given the current market, Pleasant Prairie presents a viable opportunity for fresh graduates, as the demand for physical therapy services continues to grow and professionals can build a stable career path in this area.
About the Pleasant Prairie Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pleasant Prairie
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 Pleasant Prairie
Entry-level physical therapists in Pleasant Prairie, WI typically start between $75,634 and $81,986 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,818 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $97,374 — 7.52% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Wisconsin of $110,000 represents just 145.44% of the starting physical therapist pay ($75,634/year) in Pleasant Prairie. 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 Pleasant Prairie
- 1Research the Pleasant Prairie market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $75,634 to $81,986, 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 Pleasant Prairie, 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 Pleasant Prairie for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pleasant Prairie'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 Pleasant Prairie is $48,818 ( 64.55%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,634, experienced hygienists can earn up to $124,452.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,445
2025 BLS Actual
$73,818
2026 Current Est.
$75,634
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Pleasant Prairie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,445 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,794 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,263 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,985 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,148 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,184 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,818 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,634 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,495 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Pleasant Prairie, WI grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,445 in 2019 to $73,818 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,495. New graduates entering the Pleasant Prairie job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pleasant Prairie 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 Pleasant Prairie
Within Pleasant Prairie, several employers actively seek to hire new graduates. Outpatient orthopedic chains are notable for onboarding early-career physical therapists, offering structured productivity models, although initial compensation may be lower compared to hospital systems. These institutions often provide internship and residency programs that lead to board specialization, which can significantly enhance earning potential. Notably, the DPT degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, alongside passing the NPTE national exam and obtaining a state PT license, are essential credentials for new grads aiming to maximize their starting pay in Wisconsin. In addition, pursuing board specialization such as OCS or SCS, in conjunction with APTA membership, can provide a competitive edge. It's common for early-career physical therapists in this environment to experience annual salary increases that reflect increased productivity expectations and enhanced skill sets, enabling them to reach more advantageous wage thresholds after a few years in practice.
More salary data for Pleasant Prairie, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Pleasant Prairie in 2026?
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Is physical therapy school worth it in Pleasant Prairie?
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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 Pleasant Prairie. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pleasant Prairie 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