Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Menomonie, WI: $75,490 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Menomonie, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,490 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Menomonie's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,824 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($97,274) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the physical therapy field in Menomonie, Wisconsin, can expect a starting physical therapist salary around $75,490 in 2026. This figure is on the lower end compared to the local median salary of $97,274, indicating a gap that new grads may need to bridge through experience or additional qualifications. Within the first few years, there are opportunities for salary growth as new therapists progress toward the 25th percentile earning around $81,778. Therefore, while the initial pay might reflect the entry-level position, the projected annual growth rate of 2.46% opens paths to better earnings in a relatively stable market for early-career professionals in Menomonie.
About the Menomonie Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Menomonie
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 Menomonie
Entry-level physical therapists in Menomonie, WI typically start between $75,490 and $81,778 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,129 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $97,274 — 7.61% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Wisconsin of $110,000 represents just 145.71% of the starting physical therapist pay ($75,490/year) in Menomonie. 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 Menomonie
- 1Research the Menomonie market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $75,490 to $81,778, 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 WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Menomonie, 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 Menomonie for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Menomonie's below-average 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 Menomonie is $43,129 ( 57.13%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,490, experienced hygienists can earn up to $118,619.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,332
2025 BLS Actual
$73,678
2026 Current Est.
$75,490
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Menomonie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,332 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,679 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,151 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,862 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,017 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,064 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,678 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,490 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,348 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Menomonie, WI grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,332 in 2019 to $73,678 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,348. New graduates entering the Menomonie job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Menomonie 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 Menomonie
Employers that typically hire newly graduated physical therapists in Menomonie include outpatient orthopedic chains, hospital systems, and skilled nursing facilities. Organizations such as ATI, Select Medical, and Athletico frequently recruit new DPT graduates, offering structured productivity models that can enhance earnings through bonuses. Alternatively, hospital systems may provide residency programs leading to board certification, potentially elevating entry-level salaries. Having a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTE national exam, and obtaining a state PT license are essential for securing employment. Continued education, such as pursuing board specialization (OCS or SCS), can also elevate pay prospects. While entry-level salaries seem modest, a focused career strategy in the initial 1-3 years can yield substantial returns as therapists adapt to industry demands and take advantage of growth opportunities in Menomonie's evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Menomonie, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Menomonie in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Menomonie?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Menomonie?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Menomonie?
How do I become a physical therapist in Wisconsin?
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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 Menomonie. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Menomonie 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