Physical Therapist in Riverton, WY

The Salary Picture: Where Riverton Stands

If you're looking at the numbers, Riverton’s Physical Therapist salary landscape is solid, though slightly below the national average. The median salary for a Physical Therapist in Riverton is $98,812/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.51/hour. For context, the national average sits at $99,710/year, so you’re looking at a very slight dip—about 0.9% less than the U.S. average. This isn’t a significant gap, especially given the lower cost of living in Wyoming.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect based on experience level in the local market:

| Experience Level | Estimated Salary Range (Riverton, WY) | Key Local Employers & Notes |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Entry-Level (0-2 years) | $78,000 - $88,000 | Often start at SageWest Health Care or in school-based PT through Fremont County School District #1. Expect a mix of outpatient ortho and home health. |
| Mid-Level (3-7 years) | $92,000 - $105,000 | This is where you’ll hit the median of $98,812. Common in outpatient private practices and hospital-based roles. Specialization starts to matter. |
| Senior-Level (8-15 years) | $108,000 - $125,000 | Often involves clinical supervisor roles at SageWest, management in home health agencies, or owning a small practice. |
| Expert/Specialty (15+ years) | $125,000+ | Typically seen in niche private practice owners (e.g., vestibular, pelvic health) or high-level administrative roles within the regional health system. |

How does this compare to other Wyoming cities?
Riverton isn't the highest-paying location in the state, but it offers a strong balance. Cheyenne and Casper, as larger metros, often command 2-5% higher salaries due to greater competition and a higher concentration of specialty clinics. However, the cost of living in those cities is also notably higher, particularly in housing. Laramie, home to the University of Wyoming, can have competitive salaries due to the academic medical center, but the job market is smaller. For PTs seeking a community-focused practice with a reasonable cost of living, Riverton’s $98,812 median provides solid purchasing power. The 10-year job growth for Physical Therapists nationally is 14% (BLS data), a trend that holds true in Wyoming as the population ages and the demand for musculoskeletal and post-surgical rehab continues to rise. The Riverton metro area currently has 21 Physical Therapist jobs listed, indicating a stable, if not explosive, demand.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

That $98,812 median salary looks good on paper, but let’s get real about your monthly budget in Riverton. The city’s average 1BR rent is $921/month, and the Cost of Living Index is 97.0 (US avg = 100), meaning your dollar stretches a bit further here.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a single Physical Therapist earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost (Based on $98,812/yr)	Notes for Riverton
Gross Monthly Pay	$8,234	Before any deductions.
Taxes (Federal, State, FICA)	~$2,200	WY has no state income tax, which is a major plus. This estimate includes federal tax brackets and FICA (7.65%).
Take-Home Pay	~$6,034	This is your net cash flow.
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$921	This is the city average. You can find places for less in older parts of town or more in newer complexes near the hospital.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Internet)	$250	Winters are cold; heating costs can be significant.
Car Payment & Insurance	$400	Insider Tip: Public transport is minimal. A reliable vehicle is non-negotiable. Insurance rates are moderate.
Groceries & Household	$400	Options include Safeway and Smith’s. Local farmers' markets in summer can help.
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$300	This is a common premium share for a single individual.
Retirement Savings (401k, 10%)	$823	Critical to mention: This is a pre-tax deduction. Saving 10% is a strong start.
Discretionary/Other	$940	Covers gas, entertainment, dining out, and savings.
After Essentials & Savings	~$2,940	This is a comfortable buffer for a single person.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. With a take-home pay of over $6,000 and median rent under $1,000, building savings for a down payment is very feasible. The median home price in Riverton hovers around $250,000 - $280,000. A 20% down payment ($50,000-$56,000) is a significant but achievable goal within 2-5 years of aggressive saving, especially if you're paired with a dual-income household. The local real estate market is stable, not inflated, making it a practical long-term investment for a PT looking to plant roots.

Where the Jobs Are: Riverton's Major Employers

Riverton’s healthcare landscape is anchored by a few key players, with some smaller opportunities for specialized practice.

1. SageWest Health Care (Riverton Hospital): This is the cornerstone employer. As the only acute care hospital in Fremont County, it’s a major hub for inpatient rehab, outpatient orthopedics, and cardiac rehab. They frequently hire for staff PT and PTA positions. Hiring is steady, driven by patient volume and turnover. Insider tip: They value certifications like Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) or Board Certified Specialist in Cardiovascular & Pulmonary (CCS), which can give you an edge.
2. Fremont County School District #1: The district employs Physical Therapists and PTAs for the school system, covering Riverton High School, Middle Schools, and several elementary schools. This is a stable, salaried position with summers and school holidays off. Positions are competitive and often tied to special education funding.
3. Home Health Agencies (e.g., Laramie County Home Health, National agencies with local branches): With an aging population, home health is a growing sector. These roles offer more autonomy and a flexible schedule but require extensive travel across the vast service area of Fremont County. Pay can be slightly higher to compensate for mileage and time.
4. Private Practice Clinics (Outpatient Orthopedics): There are a handful of local, privately-owned PT clinics. These often focus on sports medicine, manual therapy, and post-surgical rehab. They provide a more intimate, community-focused setting. Hiring is less frequent but can happen when a practice expands or an owner retires.
5. Wyoming Medical Center (Laramie) – Satellite Clinics: While not in Riverton, this major regional player sometimes has outreach clinics or contracts in the area, particularly for specialized services. It’s worth monitoring their job board.
6. Local Nursing Homes & Skilled Nursing Facilities (e.g., Riverton Memorial Hospital SNF): These facilities provide long-term care and post-acute rehab, offering consistent work in geriatric and neurological PT.
7. Autonomous Practice – Your Own Clinic: Given the relatively low overhead and strong community trust, opening a small, niche clinic (e.g., pelvic health, vestibular rehab) is a viable long-term option. The local market is not saturated, and referrals can build quickly through word-of-mouth.

Getting Licensed in WY

Wyoming’s licensing process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The Wyoming State Board of Physical Therapy (under the Wyoming Department of Administration & Information) governs licensure.

• Requirements: You need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program and must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). For licensure by examination, you must also complete the Jurisprudence Exam (covering Wyoming statutes and rules). You will need to complete a fingerprint background check.
• Costs: The total cost for initial licensure is approximately $350 - $450. This includes:
  • NPTE Application Fee (to the FSBPT): ~$485 (this is for the exam itself, paid separately).
  • Wyoming Jurisprudence Exam Fee: ~$50.
  • Licensure Application Fee: ~$200.
  • Fingerprinting Fee: ~$50 (varies by location).
• Timeline: The process can take 2-4 months from submitting your application to receiving your license, assuming you have already passed the NPTE. Start the process as soon as you have your final transcripts and NPTE score. Wyoming is a member of the Physical Therapy Compact (PT Compact), which allows PTs from other compact states to practice here more easily, speeding up the process for those eligible.
• Insider Tip: Wyoming does not require continuing education for initial licensure, but you must complete 30 CEU hours per biennial license period (every two years) to renew. Plan to take courses in dry needling, manual therapy, or telehealth to stay relevant.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Riverton is a small, grid-based city. Your choice of neighborhood will mostly come down to commute and lifestyle, as the differences in rent are minimal.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Typical 1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
Central Riverton (Downtown)	Walkable to local shops, coffee spots, and the historic downtown. Close to the Riverton Museum and Main Street. Commute to SageWest Hospital is 5-10 minutes.	$850 - $950	PTs who want a historic, community feel and don't mind older building stock.
North Riverton / Near SageWest	Residential area with newer developments. Very quiet, family-friendly. Commute to the hospital is practically zero (under 5 mins).	$950 - $1,100	Professionals who prioritize a short, easy commute and modern amenities.
South Riverton / Near Central Wyoming College	Close to the college campus, which can be a plus for networking. More suburban feel with slightly larger lot sizes. Commute is still under 10 minutes.	$900 - $1,050	Those who enjoy a quieter, more residential setting and value green space.
West Riverton / Near the Wind River	Offers beautiful views and a more rural feel, while still being 10-15 minutes from the hospital. More single-family homes than apartments.	$800 - $1,000	Nature lovers and those seeking more space and privacy.
East Riverton / Near the Fairgrounds	Close to the Fremont County Fairgrounds and athletic fields. Easy access to US-26 for trips to Shoshoni or Lander. A practical, no-frills choice.	$850 - $950	Budget-conscious individuals who don't mind a standard suburban commute.

Insider Tip: The rental market is tight. Start your search on local Facebook groups (like "Riverton Rentals") and Zillow. Many landlords prefer annual leases, so be prepared for that commitment.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year outlook for PTs in Riverton is stable, with growth tied to regional demographics and healthcare trends.

• Specialty Premiums: While the general median is $98,812, earning a specialty certification can boost your income by 5-10% in this market. The most valuable specialties in rural Wyoming are:
  • Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS): High demand for post-surgical and sports rehab.
  • Geriatric Clinical Specialist (GCS): Critical for the aging population and SNF settings.
  • Pelvic Health Specialist: A growing niche with few local providers; high referral potential.
  • Dry Needling Certification: Increasingly popular and effective for pain management.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Clinical Ladder: Move from Staff PT to Senior PT or Clinical Supervisor at SageWest.
  2. Management: Become a Department Director or Clinic Manager.
  3. Private Practice: Start your own clinic to control your schedule and income.
  4. Home Health Leadership: Move into a supervisory role with a regional agency.
  5. Telehealth: With Wyoming’s vast geography, providing telehealth consultations for rural patients is an emerging opportunity.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 14% national job growth will translate to a steady need in Riverton, primarily due to retirements and population growth. The key is specialization. Generalist PTs will find jobs, but those with niche skills (e.g., pelvic health, vestibular rehab) will be in high demand and can command higher salaries. The rise of value-based care will also favor PTs who can demonstrate excellent patient outcomes, making documentation and continuous learning crucial.

The Verdict: Is Riverton Right for You?

Pros:

• Excellent Work-Life Balance: Community-focused care, manageable caseloads, and minimal traffic.
• Low Cost of Living: Your salary stretches far with affordable housing ($921/month rent) and no state income tax.
• Strong Sense of Community: You become a known, trusted provider. Colleagues and patients often know each other.
• Outdoor Access: Unbeatable access to hiking, fishing, and hunting in the Wind River Range and nearby public lands.
• Stable Job Market: Anchored by SageWest Health Care and the school district.

Cons:

• Limited Career Mobility: Fewer employers mean fewer options for lateral moves without relocating.
• Isolation: It’s a 2-hour drive to Casper or Laramie for major city amenities, airports, or specialized medical care.
• Small-Town Politics: The close-knit community can sometimes blur professional and personal boundaries.
• Weather: Harsh, windy winters with significant snowfall can be challenging.

Final Recommendation:
Riverton is an excellent choice for Physical Therapists who value community, outdoor lifestyle, and financial stability over the bustle of a big city. It’s ideal for those in the mid-career stage looking to buy a home, start a family, or open a private practice. It may feel limiting for a PT seeking rapid career progression in a high-acuity, academic medical center environment. If your goal is a balanced life where your salary affords comfort and your work has a direct, visible impact, Riverton is a compelling and logical fit.

FAQs

1. Is it hard to find a job as a new graduate PT in Riverton?
It’s competitive but not impossible. The key is to be flexible. New grads often start in home health or schools to get their foot in the door. Applying for roles at SageWest and Fremont County School District is essential. Networking with local PTs via the Wyoming Physical Therapy Association (WyPTA) can uncover unlisted opportunities.

2. What is the patient population like?
The population is a mix of agricultural workers, ranchers, and retirees. Common conditions include work-related musculoskeletal injuries, post-orthopedic surgery rehab, and age-related issues like joint replacements and balance disorders. There’s also a significant Native American population from the nearby Wind River Indian Reservation, offering diverse clinical experiences.

3. How does the cost of living really feel on a PT salary?
Very comfortable. With a median salary of $98,812 and average rent of $921, your housing costs are under 12% of your gross income—a financial health indicator well below the recommended 30%. You can afford a nice apartment, a reliable car, save significantly, and still have money for recreation.

4. Are there opportunities for continuing education locally?
Limited, but growing. SageWest and Central Wyoming College host occasional workshops. However, most PTs travel to Casper or Laramie for larger conferences or use online CEUs. The state association (WyPTA) offers regional events. Budgeting for travel for education is a must.

5. What’s the community like for young professionals?
It’s a small, friendly community. Social life often revolves around outdoor activities (hiking, fishing), community events at the Riverton Museum or Riverton Country Club, and local restaurants. It’s not a nightlife scene, but you’ll quickly build a network through work and shared interests. The presence of Central Wyoming College and Fremont County School District adds a youthful, educated demographic.