Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Gillette, WY: $79,721 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Gillette, WY — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $79,721/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Gillette's price premium (BEA RPP 95.8, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $83,216 in average-cost America. The 25% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the salary landscape for experienced physical therapist assistants in Gillette, Wyoming, is notably attractive, especially for top earners who can command upwards of $79,721 annually at the 90th percentile. This figure positions Gillette's highest earners slightly below the national top salaries yet reflects a robust growth potential, driven by the demand for seasoned professionals. Advancing to this level typically requires a combination of extensive experience, specialized skills, and a commitment to ongoing professional development. As physical therapist assistants gain seniority, the substantial gap between the median annual salary of $63,755 and the top earnings highlights the premium placed on expertise and effective practice management in the Gillette area.
About the Gillette Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gillette
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Gillette earn between $73,151 and $79,721 per year (2026 est.). This $33,407 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Gillette median of $63,755 sits 9.24% below the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Gillette | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $63,755 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,151 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $79,721 | $91,954 |
In Gillette, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 25.04% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Gillette
Advanced Certifications in Wyoming
WY physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $63,755 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Gillette employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Gillette command premium compensation, often reaching the $73,151–$79,721 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Gillette metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced physical therapist assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured physical therapist assistants in Gillette 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 Therapist Assistants 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 Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Gillette
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedGillette ranks #4 of 14 Wyoming cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $79,721).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Gillette ($79,721) is 0.33% above the Wyoming average P90 ($79,462).
2019 BLS Actual
$70,085
2025 BLS Actual
$77,602
2026 Current Est.
$79,721
2019–2027 Growth
+16.9%
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 | $70,085 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,499 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,505 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,891 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,012 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,926 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,602 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,721 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,897 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Gillette saw their compensation grow 10.7% from $70,085 in 2019 to $77,602 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.73% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $81,897 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Physical Therapist Assistant Earnings in Gillette
In Gillette, specialized areas such as orthopedic, geriatric rehabilitation, and sports medicine are crucial for achieving higher compensation among senior physical therapist assistants. Those working in outpatient orthopedic clinics often see significant differences in pay compared to their peers in skilled nursing facilities or pediatric therapy programs. For ambitious PTAs, there are various avenues for career advancement, such as transitioning to roles like lead PTA, clinic operations supervisor, or PTA program faculty, and pursuing a PTA-to-DPT bridge can improve both expertise and earning potential. Additionally, holding advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can lead to further enhancements in salary. As the field faces pressures like the 15% Medicare Part B cut affecting PTA-provided services, it's essential for experienced PTAs to understand compensation structures, including non-salary benefits associated with different employment settings, which can include aspects such as productivity expectations and supervision requirements. Understanding these dynamics can significantly influence a peticular PTA's trajectory in Gillette, WY.
More salary data for Gillette, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Gillette in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Gillette?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Gillette?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Gillette?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time 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
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 $77,602 for physical therapist assistants in the Gillette metro area. A 2.73% 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 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