Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Powell, WY: $75,675 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Powell, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,675 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Powell's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,993 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($93,210) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graduates entering the field of physical therapy in Powell, Wyoming, can expect a starting salary around $75,675 in 2026, reflecting the lower end of the salary range for this occupation. The median annual salary for physical therapists in Powell is estimated at $93,210, highlighting a significant gap where new grads might initially feel undercompensated compared to their peers in more experienced roles. However, there's a promising growth trajectory, as those starting at this entry-level position can anticipate gradual increases to approximately $81,084 within their first three years, eventually reaching the median salary as they gain experience and refine their skills. In the current job market, Powell presents reasonable opportunities for recent graduates to launch their careers, especially considering the area's cost of living is below the national average, which can enhance their overall financial comfort early on.
About the Powell Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Powell
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 Powell
Entry-level physical therapists in Powell, WY typically start between $75,675 and $81,084 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $42,123 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $93,210 — 11.47% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Wyoming of $95,000 represents just 125.54% of the starting physical therapist pay ($75,675/year) in Powell. 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 Powell
- 1Research the Powell market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $75,675 to $81,084, 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 Powell, 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 Powell for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Powell'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 Powell is $42,123 ( 55.66%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,675, experienced hygienists can earn up to $117,798.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,477
2025 BLS Actual
$73,858
2026 Current Est.
$75,675
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Powell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,477 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,827 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,295 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,021 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,186 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,500 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,858 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,675 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,537 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Powell, WY grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,477 in 2019 to $73,858 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,537. New graduates entering the Powell job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Powell 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 Powell
Employers in Powell that typically seek to hire new graduate physical therapists include outpatient orthopedic chains, which often provide structured productivity ramps that can lead to bonuses, although they might initially offer lower salaries. Additionally, hospital systems frequently present residency programs that can facilitate board certification, thereby enhancing career prospects and salary potential. Skilled nursing facilities, such as Genesis or RehabCare, may provide even higher starting pay for new grads. To maximize entry-level pay, obtaining a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTE, and acquiring a state PT license are essential steps. Furthermore, involvement in ongoing education, such as pursuing board specialization in Orthopedics (OCS) or Sports (SCS), can elevate earning potential. In the first few years, entry-level practitioners in Powell should anticipate steady salary growth, aligning with the industry's evolving demands and increasing productivity expectations driven by changes in reimbursement policies.
More salary data for Powell, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Powell in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Powell?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Powell?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Powell?
How do I become a physical therapist in Wyoming?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wyoming
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 Powell. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Powell 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