Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Bennington, VT: $82,801 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Bennington, VT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $82,801 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bennington's local price level (BEA RPP 103.5 — 4% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,001 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($104,422) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting physical therapist salary in Bennington is projected at $82,801, providing a realistic baseline for new graduates entering the workforce. This figure, while competitive, represents a gap when compared to the median annual salary of $104,422 for physical therapists in the area. As early-career professionals gain experience, they can expect salary growth that takes them from the entry-level rate up to the P25 threshold of $89,070, and potentially closer to the median as they build their skills and reputation. In this context, Bennington can be regarded as a promising market for new DPT graduates in 2026, particularly given the anticipated growth trajectory of 2.46% annually over the next five years.
About the Bennington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bennington
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 Bennington
Entry-level physical therapists in Bennington, VT typically start between $82,801 and $89,070 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,482 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $104,422 — 0.82% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Vermont of $140,000 represents just 169.08% of the starting physical therapist pay ($82,801/year) in Bennington. 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 Bennington
- 1Research the Bennington market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $82,801 to $89,070, 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 VT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bennington, 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 Bennington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bennington'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 Bennington is $46,482 ( 56.14%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $82,801, experienced hygienists can earn up to $129,283.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$65,078
2025 BLS Actual
$80,813
2026 Current Est.
$82,801
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Bennington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,078 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,555 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,879 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,144 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,701 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,449 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,813 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,801 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,838 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Bennington, VT grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $65,078 in 2019 to $80,813 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $84,838. New graduates entering the Bennington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bennington 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 Bennington
When exploring employment opportunities, new grad physical therapists in VT will find that outpatient orthopedic chains are some of the primary employers, often recruiting recent graduates with structured productivity ramps that can enhance career progression. Additionally, the local hospital systems might provide residency programs that help facilitate board certification, making them attractive options for newly licensed professionals. Those seeking to increase their starting physical therapist salary in Bennington should consider obtaining a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTE national exam, and securing their state PT license. Continuing education, such as completing a residency or fellowship for board specialization, can significantly boost earning potential. In the early years, salary expectations in Bennington suggest gradual increases, largely dependent on the setting, with outpatient chains typically offering lower pay compared to hospital systems, which may also include opportunities for performance incentives.
More salary data for Bennington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Bennington in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Bennington?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Bennington?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Bennington?
How do I become a physical therapist in Vermont?
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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 Bennington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bennington 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