Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Cheyenne, WY: $80,407 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Cheyenne, WY — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $80,407/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Cheyenne's price premium (BEA RPP 96.5, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $83,331 in average-cost America. The 24% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Cheyenne, Wyoming, the senior physical therapist assistant salary is notably competitive, with top earners projected to pull in up to $80,407 in 2026. This places the highest earners in Cheyenne within a compelling range compared to national top physical therapist assistant salaries, which are set at $70,247. The significant gap between the median salary of $64,730 and the upper echelon compensation of $80,407 illustrates the experience premium that seasoned professionals enjoy, particularly those with seven or more years in the field. Achieving this tier of pay typically requires further specialization, advanced certifications, and demonstrated clinical excellence, positioning experienced PTAs to leverage their skills effectively in a market that favors those who invest in their professional development.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cheyenne
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Cheyenne earn between $75,394 and $80,407 per year (2026 est.). This $28,323 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Cheyenne median of $64,730 sits 7.85% below the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Cheyenne | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $64,730 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,394 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $80,407 | $91,954 |
In Cheyenne, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 24.22% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Cheyenne
Advanced Certifications in Wyoming
WY physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $64,730 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Cheyenne employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Cheyenne command premium compensation, often reaching the $75,394–$80,407 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Cheyenne 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 Cheyenne 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 Cheyenne
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCheyenne ranks #3 of 14 Wyoming cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $80,407).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Cheyenne ($80,407) is 1.19% above the Wyoming average P90 ($79,462).
2019 BLS Actual
$75,220
2025 BLS Actual
$78,270
2026 Current Est.
$80,407
2019–2027 Growth
+9.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Cheyenne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,220 | Actual |
| 2020 | $80,750 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,640 | Actual |
| 2022 | $86,250 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,820 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,400 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,270 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,407 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,602 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Cheyenne saw their compensation grow 4.1% from $75,220 in 2019 to $78,270 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 $82,602 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cheyenne 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 Cheyenne
When it comes to earning potential in Cheyenne, senior physical therapist assistants can access a variety of lucrative specializations, such as orthopedic and geriatric rehab, that command higher pay. Salary variations across employer types reveal that those employed in skilled nursing facilities or home health agencies may face a more stringent reimbursement landscape due to the 15% Medicare cut on PTA-provided services, while treatment settings like outpatient orthopedic clinics often provide more competitive compensation packages. Further career advancements are realistic; experienced PTAs may move into roles like lead PTA or clinic operations supervisor, and can also pursue educational opportunities as PTA program faculty or through a PTA-to-DPT bridge pathway. Holding advanced credentials such as state licensure, successful completion of the NPTAE, and optional proficiency certifications through the APTA can also enhance pay and job stability in Wyoming's evolving healthcare environment.
More salary data for Cheyenne, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Cheyenne in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Cheyenne?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Cheyenne?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Cheyenne?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Cheyenne?
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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 $78,270 for physical therapist assistants in the Cheyenne 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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