Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Jackson, WY: $74,061 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Jackson, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $74,061 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jackson's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $77,308 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($92,557) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Setting realistic financial expectations is essential for new graduates seeking employment as physical therapists in Jackson, Wyoming. In 2026, the starting physical therapist salary in Jackson reflects a range beginning at $74,061 for the lowest 10th percentile and moving up to approximately $92,557, which is the city’s median salary for all physical therapists. This indicates that entry-level positions may fall short of the broader city average, but there is potential for growth as early-career therapists can anticipate a salary of around $77,638 after gaining some experience. With a projected annual growth rate of 2.46%, the market in Jackson provides a favorable environment for new graduates, allowing them to build a financially rewarding career in physical therapy if they are strategic about their job search.
About the Jackson Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Jackson
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 Jackson
Entry-level physical therapists in Jackson, WY typically start between $74,061 and $77,638 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $38,542 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $92,557 — 12.09% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Wyoming of $95,000 represents just 128.27% of the starting physical therapist pay ($74,061/year) in Jackson. 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 Jackson
- 1Research the Jackson market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $74,061 to $77,638, 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 WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Jackson, 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 Jackson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Jackson's moderate 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 Jackson is $38,542 ( 52.04%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $74,061, experienced hygienists can earn up to $112,603.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$58,209
2025 BLS Actual
$72,283
2026 Current Est.
$74,061
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,209 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,530 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,031 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,634 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,710 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,129 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,283 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,061 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,883 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Jackson, WY grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $58,209 in 2019 to $72,283 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,883. New graduates entering the Jackson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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 Jackson
When examining the landscape for entry-level opportunities in Jackson, it’s important to identify potential employers that actively hire new graduates. Outpatient orthopedic chains such as ATI and Select Medical are significant players, often recruiting freshly minted Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) graduates, providing structured productivity expectations that can lead to performance bonuses. Conversely, hospital systems may offer residency programs designed to help new grads achieve board certification, thus enhancing their credentials and salary potential. For those considering specialized roles, options like skilled nursing facilities, including Genesis and RehabCare, might also provide higher starting pay. To maximize their earning capacity, new graduates should obtain a DPT from a CAPTE-accredited program, pass the NPTE, secure state licensure, and consider additional training through APTA’s resources. Given the competitive nature of the field and the increasing emphasis on productivity metrics, the first few years will likely see incremental salary growth as therapists establish themselves and build their patient caseloads.
More salary data for Jackson, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Jackson in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Jackson?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Jackson?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Jackson?
How do I become a physical therapist in Wyoming?
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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 Jackson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Jackson 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