Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Laramie, WY: $47,185 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Laramie, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,185 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Laramie's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,254 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($66,513) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of physical therapy as assistants can expect to earn a starting salary around $47,185 in Laramie, WY, in 2026. Compared to the median annual salary of $66,513, there is a significant gap that entry-level professionals will navigate early in their careers. Over the course of the first few years, many can anticipate gradual salary increases, moving from the 10th percentile up to the 25th percentile, which is projected at $58,265. Laramie currently presents a favorable environment for new grads, especially given the growth rate of 2.73% annually in this profession. This upward trajectory offers an optimistic outlook as practitioners gain experience and develop their expertise.
About the Laramie Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Laramie
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 Laramie
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Laramie, WY typically start between $47,185 and $58,265 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $34,982 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $66,513 — 5.32% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Wyoming of $16,000 represents just 33.91% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($47,185/year) in Laramie. 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 Laramie
- 1Research the Laramie market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $47,185 to $58,265, 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 Laramie, 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 Laramie for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Laramie'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 Laramie is $34,982 ( 74.14%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,185, experienced hygienists can earn up to $82,167.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,176
2025 BLS Actual
$45,931
2026 Current Est.
$47,185
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Laramie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,176 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,551 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,860 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,689 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,506 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,898 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,931 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,185 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,473 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Laramie, WY grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,176 in 2019 to $45,931 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,473. New graduates entering the Laramie job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laramie 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 Laramie
When it comes to job opportunities, outpatient clinics generally hire most new graduates, providing a solid starting point for recent PTA program alumni. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) also continue to recruit new PTAs, despite reimbursement changes that have affected pay scales. For those eager to enhance their starting physical therapist assistant salary in Laramie, obtaining an associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTAE, and acquiring a state PTA license are essential steps. Adding advanced proficiency credentials through APTA may help further boost earning potential. It’s critical for new PTAs to be aware of ongoing policy changes, particularly the 15% cut in Medicare reimbursement for services provided by PTAs that took effect in 2022 — an adjustment that particularly impacts earnings in settings reliant on Medicare. Realistically, practitioners can expect meaningful salary growth within the first few years as they gain practical experience and continue professional development.
More salary data for Laramie, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Laramie in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Laramie?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Laramie?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Laramie?
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 Laramie. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Laramie 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