Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Lander, WY: $76,238 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Lander, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,238 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lander's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $79,580 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($96,661) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the physical therapy field in Lander, Wyoming can expect starting salaries around $76,238, which is noticeably below the city’s median annual salary of $96,661. For those beginning their careers as physical therapists, the pathway for salary growth in the initial years is promising, with potential earnings reaching approximately $82,459 after gaining some experience. This gradual accumulation in earning potential reflects a broader growth trajectory outlined by a 2.46% annual increase, making Lander a relatively appealing market for entry-level practitioners compared to other regions. Given its current economic conditions and the demand for physical therapy services, Lander offers a solid environment for new graduates eager to establish their careers.
About the Lander Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lander
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 Lander
Entry-level physical therapists in Lander, WY typically start between $76,238 and $82,459 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,450 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $96,661 — 8.19% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Wyoming of $95,000 represents just 124.61% of the starting physical therapist pay ($76,238/year) in Lander. 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 Lander
- 1Research the Lander market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $76,238 to $82,459, 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 Lander, 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 Lander for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lander'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 Lander is $43,450 ( 56.99%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,238, experienced hygienists can earn up to $119,688.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,920
2025 BLS Actual
$74,408
2026 Current Est.
$76,238
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Lander (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,920 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,280 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,737 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,505 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,701 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,939 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,408 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,238 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,114 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Lander, WY grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,920 in 2019 to $74,408 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,114. New graduates entering the Lander job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lander 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 Lander
Focusing specifically on employment opportunities for early-career physical therapists, Lander has a range of potential employers that actively recruit new graduates. Outpatient orthopedic facilities, such as those under brands like ATI and Select Medical, typically hire fresh Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) graduates and often implement structured productivity ramps with potential bonuses. Additionally, local hospital systems can provide residency programs that lead to valuable board certifications, enhancing a new graduate’s qualifications and earning potential. Credentials such as a DPT from a CAPTE-accredited program, successful completion of the NPTE national exam, and obtaining a state PT license are vital for career advancement in this field. Moreover, pursuing optional residencies or board certifications—such as Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) or Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS)—can further boost starting physical therapist pay in Wyoming. Realistically, within the first three years, new grads can anticipate steady salary growth based on their professional development and the evolving demands of the industry.
More salary data for Lander, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Lander in 2026?
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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 Lander. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lander 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