Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Rock Springs, WY: $77,007 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Rock Springs, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,007 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Rock Springs's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,383 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($94,787) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rock Springs, Wyoming, new graduates entering the physical therapy field in 2026 can anticipate an entry-level physical therapist salary starting at around $77,007. This figure represents the P10 benchmark for new grads, offering a realistic starting point that contrasts with the city’s median annual salary of $94,787. Those in the early stages of their careers can expect salary growth over the first few years, progressing towards the P25 figure of $82,267 and eventually reaching or surpassing the median as they gain experience. Overall, with a steady growth trajectory projected at 2.46% annually, Rock Springs emerges as a promising market for recent graduates eager to establish their careers in physical therapy.
About the Rock Springs Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Rock Springs
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 Rock Springs
Entry-level physical therapists in Rock Springs, WY typically start between $77,007 and $82,267 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $42,271 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $94,787 — 9.97% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Wyoming of $95,000 represents just 123.37% of the starting physical therapist pay ($77,007/year) in Rock Springs. 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 Rock Springs
- 1Research the Rock Springs market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $77,007 to $82,267, 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 Rock Springs, 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 Rock Springs for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Rock Springs'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 Rock Springs is $42,271 ( 54.89%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,007, experienced hygienists can earn up to $119,278.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,524
2025 BLS Actual
$75,158
2026 Current Est.
$77,007
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Rock Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,524 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,898 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,339 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,165 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,403 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,619 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,158 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,007 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,901 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Rock Springs, WY grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,524 in 2019 to $75,158 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,901. New graduates entering the Rock Springs job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rock Springs 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 Rock Springs
Employers in Rock Springs hiring entry-level physical therapists predominantly include outpatient orthopedic chains, such as ATI, Select Medical, and Athletico. These companies often have structured onboarding processes that can ease new DPT grads into their roles, although initial pay may be lower compared to hospital systems, which also provide residency programs for board certification. Starting salaries may see a boost for those who stay abreast of credentials, fulfilling requirements such as obtaining a DPT from a CAPTE-accredited program and passing the NPTE for state licensing. In addition, involvement in APTA and pursuing advanced board specializations like OCS or SCS can enhance earning potential. Realistically, new graduates can expect gradual salary increases during their first three years, especially in response to the pressures and expectations surrounding productivity in the evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Rock Springs, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Rock Springs in 2026?
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Is physical therapy school worth it in Rock Springs?
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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 Rock Springs. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Rock Springs 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