Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Riverton, WY: $78,553 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Riverton, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,553 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Riverton's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $81,997 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($94,196) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates embarking on their careers as physical therapists in Riverton, WY can anticipate a starting physical therapist salary that begins at around $78,553 in 2026. This initial pay reflects a sizable gap compared to the city median annual salary of $94,196, indicating that new grads may enter the workforce on the lower end of the compensation spectrum. However, with a growth trajectory that leads from $78,553 at the 10th percentile to $83,153 at the 25th percentile within the first few years, opportunities for advancement are promising. The Riverton market, with its lower cost of living index, can provide newly minted physical therapists a pathway to gain experience and gradually increase their earnings, especially as they settle into their roles.
About the Riverton Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Riverton
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 Riverton
Entry-level physical therapists in Riverton, WY typically start between $78,553 and $83,153 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $39,103 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $94,196 — 10.53% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Wyoming of $95,000 represents just 120.94% of the starting physical therapist pay ($78,553/year) in Riverton. 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 Riverton
- 1Research the Riverton market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $78,553 to $83,153, 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 Riverton, 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 Riverton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Riverton'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 Riverton is $39,103 ( 49.78%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,553, experienced hygienists can earn up to $117,656.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$61,739
2025 BLS Actual
$76,667
2026 Current Est.
$78,553
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Riverton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,739 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,140 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,550 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,494 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,817 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,948 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,667 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,553 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,485 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Riverton, WY grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $61,739 in 2019 to $76,667 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,485. New graduates entering the Riverton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Riverton 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 Riverton
Employers in Riverton that are likely to hire entry-level physical therapists include outpatient orthopedic chains, which typically offer structured programs to ease new practitioners into productivity expectations. Hospital systems often provide residency opportunities that can lead to board certification, enhancing job prospects and pay. Those considering careers in skilled nursing facilities may find higher entry salaries, especially with firms like Genesis and RehabCare. Credentials such as a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from a CAPTE-accredited program and passing the NPTE exam are essential for securing a position. To further increase starting pay in Wyoming, pursuing a residency or fellowship for specialization is beneficial. Realistically, within the first three years, physical therapists can expect gradual salary increases; this strategy aligns well with the pressures to maintain productivity and adapt to evolving reimbursement models in the industry.
More salary data for Riverton, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Riverton in 2026?
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Is physical therapy school worth it in Riverton?
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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 Riverton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Riverton 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