Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Green River, WY: $48,646 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Green River, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,646 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Green River's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,779 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,740) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field, an entry-level physical therapist assistant salary in Green River, WY, presents a unique starting point. The projected income for fresh PTAs is approximately $48,646, which places them below the city median of $62,740. This gap demonstrates that while starting salaries may initially feel modest, there is a path for growth. Over the first few years, new graduates can expect earnings to rise as they gain experience. With the average earning potential projected to reach $57,608 at the 25th percentile and ultimately leading to the median wage with continued professional development, Green River remains a viable market for new physical therapist assistants in 2026.
About the Green River Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Green River
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 Green River
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Green River, WY typically start between $48,646 and $57,608 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $29,163 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,740 — 10.69% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Wyoming of $16,000 represents just 32.89% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($48,646/year) in Green River. 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 Green River
- 1Research the Green River market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $48,646 to $57,608, 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 Green River, 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 Green River for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Green River'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 Green River is $29,163 ( 59.95%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,646, experienced hygienists can earn up to $77,809.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,172
2025 BLS Actual
$47,353
2026 Current Est.
$48,646
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Green River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,172 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,559 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,970 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,980 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,760 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,181 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,353 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,646 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,974 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Green River, WY grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,172 in 2019 to $47,353 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,974. New graduates entering the Green River job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Green River 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 Green River
In terms of employment opportunities, outpatient clinics are among the primary employers hiring newly graduated physical therapist assistants in Green River. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) still welcome new graduates, though applicants should be mindful that recent reimbursement cuts may impact salary expectations in those roles. Additionally, many home health agencies prefer candidates with a bit more practical experience. To maximize starting pay, obtaining an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passing the NPTAE national exam, and securing a state PTA license are essential first steps. Engaging in continuing education through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) can also provide a competitive edge. Given the new Medicare policies, realistic salary growth within the initial three years may be steady yet constrained; however, leveraging additional credentials and staying connected with professional organizations will enhance your career trajectory as a PTA in Wyoming.
More salary data for Green River, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Green River in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Green River?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Green River?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Green River?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Wyoming?
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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 Green River. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Green River 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