Senior Physical Therapist Salary in De Pere, WI: $123,620 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapists working in De Pere, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $123,620/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1123. Strip back De Pere's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $132,355 in average-cost America. The 23% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In De Pere, Wisconsin, experienced physical therapists can look forward to a promising salary landscape in 2026, with top earners (P90) reaching up to $123,620 annually. Positioned within the broader context of senior physical therapist pay in WI, this compensation reflects not only local demand but also the unique skills that seasoned practitioners bring to the field. The median annual salary of $100,649 provides a solid foundation, showcasing the experience premium that separates the average from the elite. Achieving a top physical therapist salary in De Pere typically requires a combination of relevant clinical certifications, years of hands-on experience, and often, an advanced degree such as a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from a CAPTE-accredited program.
About the De Pere Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in De Pere
Experienced physical therapists at the top of the pay scale in De Pere earn between $116,577 and $123,620 per year (2026 est.). This $47,475 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The De Pere median of $100,649 sits 4.41% below the US median.
Top PT Salary Comparison
| Level | De Pere | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $100,649 | $105,288 |
| 75th Percentile | $116,577 | $124,141 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $123,620 | $138,464 |
In De Pere, experienced physical therapists (P90) earn 22.82% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Pay in De Pere
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI physical therapists with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $100,649 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by De Pere employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in De Pere command premium compensation, often reaching the $116,577–$123,620 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the De Pere metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced physical therapists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured physical therapists in De Pere with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Physical Therapists in Wisconsin who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Physical Therapist Career & Wage Growth Path in De Pere
Clinical Physical Therapist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDe Pere ranks #34 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner physical therapist salary (90th percentile: $123,620).
Top 10% physical therapist compensation in De Pere ($123,620) is 2.44% below the Wisconsin average P90 ($126,708).
2019 BLS Actual
$111,367
2025 BLS Actual
$120,652
2026 Current Est.
$123,620
2019–2027 Growth
+13.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in De Pere (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $111,367 | Actual |
| 2020 | $113,188 | Actual |
| 2021 | $113,483 | Actual |
| 2022 | $115,018 | Actual |
| 2023 | $116,840 | Actual |
| 2024 | $103,338 | Actual |
| 2025 | $120,652 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $123,620 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $126,661 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapists (90th percentile) in De Pere saw their compensation grow 8.3% from $111,367 in 2019 to $120,652 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.46% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $126,661 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the De Pere 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.
Maximizing Your Physical Therapist Earnings in De Pere
To fully understand the factors influencing senior physical therapist compensation in De Pere, it's essential to consider the various specializations that can command higher pay. Areas such as orthopedics (OCS), sports (SCS), and neurologic therapy (NCS) are particularly lucrative, with senior therapists able to enhance their value through board certifications and additional credentials. Moreover, compensation varies by employer type; therapists working in hospital settings may benefit from more stable salaries and benefits compared to outpatient clinics, which often emphasize productivity through performance-based bonuses. Additionally, career advancement pathways—such as becoming a clinic director or a faculty member for DPT programs—can further increase financial rewards. Non-salary compensation elements also play a significant role, including equity ownership in clinics, reimbursements for board certification (like OCS or SCS), and options for flexible working arrangements in cash-pay versus insurance models, creating an appealing future for experienced physical therapists in De Pere.
More salary data for De Pere, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapists make in De Pere in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist pay in De Pere?
What certifications boost physical therapist salary in De Pere?
Can experienced physical therapists make six figures in De Pere?
How much does physical therapist salary increase over time in De Pere?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $120,652 for physical therapists in the De Pere metro area. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for De Pere 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