Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Gillette, WY: $46,314 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Gillette, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,314 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Gillette's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,344 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,755) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of physical therapy assistance in Gillette, Wyoming can expect a starting salary around $46,314 in 2026. Compared to the city’s median salary of $63,755, new PAs might find themselves at a significant initial gap. However, opportunities for pay increases are promising within the first few years as experience accumulates. As salaries rise with experience, many new graduates can anticipate reaching the $56,453 mark within a couple of years, gradually progressing closer to the local median. With a growth trajectory projected at 2.73%, Gillette presents a decent job market for new graduates, especially considering the lower cost of living index of 95.8, which can make the starting physical therapist assistant salary in Gillette more attractive than it may appear when viewed alone.
About the Gillette Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Gillette
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 Gillette
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Gillette, WY typically start between $46,314 and $56,453 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $33,407 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,755 — 9.24% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Wyoming of $16,000 represents just 34.55% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($46,314/year) in Gillette. 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 Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school programs.
PTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Gillette
- 1Research the Gillette market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $46,314 to $56,453, 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 Gillette, 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 Gillette for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Gillette's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Assistant Compensation Range
The physical therapist assistant wage spread in Gillette is $33,407 ( 72.13%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,314, experienced hygienists can earn up to $79,721.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,582
2025 BLS Actual
$45,083
2026 Current Est.
$46,314
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Gillette (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,582 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,950 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,198 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,919 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,758 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,120 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,083 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,314 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,578 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Gillette, WY grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,582 in 2019 to $45,083 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,578. New graduates entering the Gillette job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gillette 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 2.73% 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 Gillette
In this market, some key employers in Gillette, such as outpatient therapy clinics and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), frequently hire new grads. Although reimbursement cuts have impacted hiring practices and salary structures—particularly in Medicare-reliant settings like SNFs—there remains a demand for fresh talent. To enhance their earnings, entry-level physical therapist assistants should focus on gaining essential credentials, including an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passing the NPTAE national exam, and obtaining a state PTA license. While home health agencies typically prefer candidates with 1-2 years of clinical experience, new grads can still find opportunities that align with their training. Those who strategically leverage their training and pursue continuing education through APTA's advanced proficiency certifications could see their pay rise more rapidly in the first few years as they navigate the evolving landscape of the profession in Wyoming.
More salary data for Gillette, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Gillette in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Gillette?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Gillette?
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Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan 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 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Gillette. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Gillette 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 2.73%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapist assistants (SOC 31-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov