Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Rock Springs, WY: $79,218 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Rock Springs, WY — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $79,218/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Rock Springs's price premium (BEA RPP 95.8, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $82,691 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
Senior physical therapist assistants in Rock Springs, Wyoming, have a noteworthy earning potential in 2026, with top earners (P90) projected to make $79,218 annually. This figure significantly contrasts with the median annual salary of $63,241 for experienced professionals, illustrating the potential financial rewards for those who excel in their roles. The experience premium in this market highlights a substantial gap between middle and top-tier pay. Achieving top-tier salaries typically requires a robust skill set, including specialization in high-demand areas and a commitment to ongoing professional development.
About the Rock Springs Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rock Springs
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Rock Springs earn between $71,830 and $79,218 per year (2026 est.). This $31,364 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Rock Springs median of $63,241 sits 9.97% below the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Rock Springs | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $63,241 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,830 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $79,218 | $91,954 |
In Rock Springs, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 25.26% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Rock Springs
Advanced Certifications in Wyoming
WY physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $63,241 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Rock Springs employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Rock Springs command premium compensation, often reaching the $71,830–$79,218 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Rock Springs 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 Rock Springs 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 Rock Springs
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRock Springs ranks #7 of 14 Wyoming cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $79,218).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Rock Springs ($79,218) is 0.31% below the Wyoming average P90 ($79,462).
2019 BLS Actual
$69,644
2025 BLS Actual
$77,113
2026 Current Est.
$79,218
2019–2027 Growth
+16.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Rock Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,644 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,048 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,067 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,426 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,527 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,422 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,113 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,218 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,381 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Rock Springs saw their compensation grow 10.7% from $69,644 in 2019 to $77,113 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 $81,381 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rock Springs 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 Rock Springs
Compensation for senior physical therapist assistants varies considerably depending on the work setting and specializations. In Rock Springs, areas such as orthopedic and sports medicine often command higher salaries, especially within outpatient orthopedic clinics and skilled nursing facilities. Roles in pediatric therapy or home health also present lucrative opportunities. Individuals aiming for leadership positions, such as clinic operations supervisor or regional clinical educator, often secure more significant pay and benefits. Advanced credentials, such as those obtained through the APTA, further enhance earning potential in the field. With the impact of the 15% Medicare cut on reimbursement for PTA services, professionals in senior roles need to remain adaptable. Settings like hospitals generally offer better pay structures compared to outpatient or SNF roles, primarily due to these adjustments in reimbursement rates.
More salary data for Rock Springs, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Rock Springs in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Rock Springs?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Rock Springs?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Rock Springs?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Rock Springs?
Related Pages
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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 $77,113 for physical therapist assistants in the Rock Springs 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 Rock Springs 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