Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Laramie, WY: $76,104 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Laramie, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,104 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Laramie's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $79,441 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,691) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Laramie, Wyoming, new graduates entering the field of physical therapy can expect to see a starting physical therapist salary around $76,104 in 2026. For those just beginning their careers, this figure represents a substantial gap when compared to the median annual salary of $99,691 for all physical therapists in the city. Over the first few years of employment, entry-level therapists may anticipate gradual pay increases. By advancing to the 25th percentile, salaries could rise to around $83,649, creating realistic growth opportunities as they gain experience. With a 2.46% annual growth trajectory projected over five years, Laramie presents a moderately favorable job market for new graduates, especially considering the city's lower-than-average cost of living index of 95.8, making it an attractive location for early-career professionals.
About the Laramie Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Laramie
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 Laramie
Entry-level physical therapists in Laramie, WY typically start between $76,104 and $83,649 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,639 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,691 — 5.32% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Wyoming of $95,000 represents just 124.83% of the starting physical therapist pay ($76,104/year) in Laramie. 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 Laramie
- 1Research the Laramie market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $76,104 to $83,649, 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 Laramie, 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 Laramie for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Laramie'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 Laramie is $47,639 ( 62.60%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,104, experienced hygienists can earn up to $123,743.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,814
2025 BLS Actual
$74,277
2026 Current Est.
$76,104
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Laramie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,814 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,172 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,632 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,390 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,578 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,825 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,277 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,104 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,976 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Laramie, WY grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,814 in 2019 to $74,277 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,976. New graduates entering the Laramie job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laramie 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 Laramie
Several employers in Laramie specifically target recent DPT graduates, including outpatient orthopedic chains, which often prioritize hiring new talent and usually offer structured productivity ramp-up models. Additionally, local hospital systems provide residency programs that can enhance professional qualifications and lead to board certification, while skilled nursing facilities like Genesis and RehabCare are known for offering competitive starting salaries. Graduates equipped with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, along with passing the NPTE and obtaining state licensure, can position themselves strongly in this job market. Continuing education, such as pursuing board specialization through fellowships, can also serve as an avenue for increased pay. In the highly competitive landscape shaped by large outpatient chains, understanding the dynamics of productivity expectations is key, especially as reimbursement changes pressure compensation structures. For those entering the field, realistic salary growth within the first few years reflects the evolving nature of physical therapy practices in Laramie.
More salary data for Laramie, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Laramie in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Laramie?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Laramie?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Laramie?
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 Laramie. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Laramie 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