Senior Physical Therapist Salary in Rawlins, WY: $122,069 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapists working in Rawlins, WY — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $122,069/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1123. Strip back Rawlins's price premium (BEA RPP 95.8, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $127,421 in average-cost America. The 28% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, experienced physical therapists in Rawlins, WY, can aim for a top physical therapist salary around $122,069, showcasing the potential for high earnings in a small market. This figure highlights a significant experience premium, especially in contrast to the median salary of $95,599. The gap between these numbers indicates that dedication to professional growth and advanced skill acquisition can lead physical therapists to considerably elevated compensation levels. Achieving such top-tier pay often requires individuals to pursue specialized certifications, consistently hone their clinical skills, and potentially take on leadership roles within their work settings, enhancing their value in the healthcare landscape.
About the Rawlins Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rawlins
Experienced physical therapists at the top of the pay scale in Rawlins earn between $106,538 and $122,069 per year (2026 est.). This $48,490 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Rawlins median of $95,599 sits 9.2% below the US median.
Top PT Salary Comparison
| Level | Rawlins | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $95,599 | $105,288 |
| 75th Percentile | $106,538 | $124,141 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $122,069 | $138,464 |
In Rawlins, experienced physical therapists (P90) earn 27.69% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Pay in Rawlins
Advanced Certifications in Wyoming
WY physical therapists with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $95,599 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Rawlins employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Rawlins command premium compensation, often reaching the $106,538–$122,069 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Rawlins 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 Rawlins 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 Wyoming 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 Rawlins
Clinical Physical Therapist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRawlins ranks #4 of 14 Wyoming cities for top earner physical therapist salary (90th percentile: $122,069).
Top 10% physical therapist compensation in Rawlins ($122,069) is 4.05% below the Wyoming average P90 ($127,228).
2019 BLS Actual
$109,969
2025 BLS Actual
$119,138
2026 Current Est.
$122,069
2019–2027 Growth
+13.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Rawlins (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $109,969 | Actual |
| 2020 | $111,768 | Actual |
| 2021 | $112,059 | Actual |
| 2022 | $113,575 | Actual |
| 2023 | $115,374 | Actual |
| 2024 | $104,077 | Actual |
| 2025 | $119,138 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $122,069 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $125,072 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapists (90th percentile) in Rawlins saw their compensation grow 8.3% from $109,969 in 2019 to $119,138 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 $125,072 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rawlins 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 Rawlins
Analyzing the compensation dynamics for senior physical therapists in Rawlins reveals that specific specializations tend to offer premium pay. For example, those with credentials in orthopedic (OCS), sports (SCS), and neurologic (NCS) rehabilitation command higher salaries compared to their generalist counterparts. Additionally, employment type plays a significant role; outpatient orthopedic clinics often provide different compensation packages than hospital inpatient rehabilitation or skilled nursing facilities. Advanced positions like clinic director or roles within academic institutions often come with more substantial financial rewards and opportunities for influence within the field. Pursuing further education, such as obtaining a DPT degree or completing a residency, can also boost earning potential in this city. Other financial drivers at this level include productivity metrics, board certification stipends, and the choice between cash-pay and insurance-based practice models, each influencing overall compensation strategies for senior physical therapists in WY.
More salary data for Rawlins, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapists make in Rawlins in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist pay in Rawlins?
What certifications boost physical therapist salary in Rawlins?
Can experienced physical therapists make six figures in Rawlins?
How much does physical therapist salary increase over time in Rawlins?
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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 $119,138 for physical therapists in the Rawlins 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 Rawlins 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