Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Sun Prairie, WI: $73,635 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Sun Prairie, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $73,635 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sun Prairie's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,838 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,606) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those starting their careers, the entry-level physical therapist salary in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, presents both opportunities and challenges. With a projected 2026 starting pay at $73,635, new graduates may find themselves significantly below the median salary of $99,606. While this gap highlights the initial earning potential, there is a clear path for growth; salaries are expected to rise to approximately $87,560 at the 25th percentile within the first few years, eventually trending toward the median as experience accumulates. The job market in Sun Prairie appears favorable for new grads in 2026, partly due to the city's relatively low cost of living index, suggesting that entry-level positions can offer a sustainable lifestyle as physical therapists begin to build their careers.
About the Sun Prairie Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Sun 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 Sun Prairie
Entry-level physical therapists in Sun Prairie, WI typically start between $73,635 and $87,560 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $56,095 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,606 — 5.4% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Wisconsin of $110,000 represents just 149.39% of the starting physical therapist pay ($73,635/year) in Sun 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 Sun Prairie
- 1Research the Sun Prairie market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $73,635 to $87,560, 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 Sun 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 Sun Prairie for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Sun 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 Sun Prairie is $56,095 ( 76.18%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $73,635, experienced hygienists can earn up to $129,730.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$57,874
2025 BLS Actual
$71,867
2026 Current Est.
$73,635
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Sun Prairie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,874 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,187 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,697 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,268 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,321 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,519 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,867 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,635 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,446 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Sun Prairie, WI grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $57,874 in 2019 to $71,867 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,446. New graduates entering the Sun Prairie job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sun 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 Sun Prairie
In Sun Prairie, numerous employers actively recruit new physical therapy graduates, providing various pathways to enhance earning potential. Outpatient orthopedic chains like ATI and Athletico frequently fill their ranks with recent Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) graduates, although they may offer lower initial salaries compared to hospital systems that often feature residency programs aimed at board certification. Additionally, skilled nursing facilities like Genesis and RehabCare tend to provide more competitive first-job offers. To boost starting pay in Wisconsin, credentials such as a DPT from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTE, and acquiring a state PT license are crucial, while optional board specializations can further enhance marketability. In the first few years, it's realistic for entry-level salaries to increase steadily as therapists navigate productivity expectations shaped by reimbursement strategies, primarily influenced by CMS reductions. A well-rounded strategy, including ongoing education and potential specialization, will be key to maximizing earning potential as one enters this rewarding field.
More salary data for Sun Prairie, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Sun Prairie in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Sun Prairie?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Sun Prairie?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Sun Prairie?
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 Sun Prairie. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Sun 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