Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Cody, WY: $77,429 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Cody, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,429 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cody's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,824 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($96,964) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates seeking to establish themselves as physical therapists in Cody, Wyoming, the entry level physical therapist salary in 2026 is projected to start around $77,429. This figure is significantly lower when compared to the city median of $96,964. However, early-career professionals can anticipate salary growth as they gain experience, moving from the P10 level up toward the P25 at $83,101. This trajectory suggests a clear path for advancement within the first few years of practice. Given the 2.46% annual growth rate in this field, Cody presents a market that, while below the national average salary of $105,288, offers a stable foundation for new graduates ready to launch their careers.
About the Cody Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cody
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 Cody
Entry-level physical therapists in Cody, WY typically start between $77,429 and $83,101 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $39,659 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $96,964 — 7.91% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Wyoming of $95,000 represents just 122.69% of the starting physical therapist pay ($77,429/year) in Cody. 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 Cody
- 1Research the Cody market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $77,429 to $83,101, 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 Cody, 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 Cody for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cody'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 Cody is $39,659 ( 51.22%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,429, experienced hygienists can earn up to $117,088.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,856
2025 BLS Actual
$75,570
2026 Current Est.
$77,429
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Cody (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,856 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,237 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,670 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,528 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,789 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,952 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,570 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,429 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,334 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Cody, WY grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,856 in 2019 to $75,570 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,334. New graduates entering the Cody job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cody 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 Cody
While evaluating where to begin a career, it's essential for new graduates to target employers that are open to hiring fresh DPTs. Outpatient orthopedic chains like ATI and Select Medical typically comprise a major part of the hiring landscape in Cody, offering structured productivity ramps for early-career professionals. Additionally, hospital systems often provide residency programs that are beneficial for obtaining board specialization, which can enhance career prospects and pay. Pursuing a DPT from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTE national exam, and obtaining a state PT license are crucial initial steps. Credentialing and continuing education not only boost starting physical therapist pay in WY but also set the foundation for long-term career advancement. Adjusting expectations to the local market and being prepared for rigorous productivity standards will help in achieving realistic salary growth during the first one to three years post-graduation.
More salary data for Cody, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Cody. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cody 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