Entry-Level Occupational Therapist Salary in Laramie, WY: $71,092 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapists entering the Laramie, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $71,092 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1122, 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 $74,209 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($97,903) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting occupational therapist salary in Laramie, WY, presents a promising outlook for new graduates. Entry-level positions, represented by the P10 wage of $71,092, show a clear initial gap compared to the city's median annual salary of $97,903. While early-career therapists can anticipate salary growth over the first few years—from the P10 figure to $80,552 at P25, they should be aware that the median sets a higher bar. Although these figures indicate a positive trajectory, the fact that Laramie’s salaries are approximately 5.32% lower than the national median of $103,400 suggests new grads must manage expectations as they launch their careers. Given this context, Laramie can be seen as a favorable job market for recent graduates, especially with a growth rate of 3.06%, indicating potential for upward mobility within the field.
About the Laramie Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($88,000) 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 occupational therapists in Laramie, WY typically start between $71,092 and $80,552 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $50,437 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $97,903 — 5.32% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Wyoming of $80,000 represents just 112.53% of the starting occupational therapist pay ($71,092/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 ACOTE-accredited Master's and Doctoral occupational therapy programs. Tuition varies between public in-state and private institution programs; MOT programs typically run 2-3 years post-bachelor's.
OT, OTR Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Laramie
- 1Research the Laramie market: entry-level occupational therapist pay ranges from $71,092 to $80,552, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the occupational 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.
Occupational Therapist Compensation Range
The occupational therapist wage spread in Laramie is $50,437 ( 70.95%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $71,092, experienced hygienists can earn up to $121,529.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$54,654
2025 BLS Actual
$68,981
2026 Current Est.
$71,092
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Laramie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,654 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,164 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,387 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,927 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,746 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,728 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,981 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,092 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,267 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Laramie, WY grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $54,654 in 2019 to $68,981 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $73,267. 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 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your occupational therapy Career in Laramie
For those entering the workforce as new grad occupational therapists in Laramie, connecting with local employers is essential for enhancing starting pay and job satisfaction. Many hospitals in the area offer robust residency programs that not only provide valuable experience but also lead to specialty certifications, setting a strong foundation for advancement in the field. School districts often hire recent graduates for summer-off contracts, while skilled nursing facilities aggressively recruit new therapists, albeit with heightened productivity expectations. It’s vital for new grads to keep credentials current—completing a Master's (MOT) or Doctorate (OTD) from an ACOTE-accredited program, passing the NBCOT exam, and obtaining state licensure are critical steps in this process. As professionals navigate their first few years, focusing on obtaining additional qualifications such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) designation can significantly elevate earning potential. Realistic salary growth expectations during the first three years are achievable, particularly for those who pursue specialty training and remain engaged with the profession through continuing education opportunities.
More salary data for Laramie, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapists in Laramie in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapist salaries grow in Laramie?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Laramie?
What do new occupational therapists make right out of school in Laramie?
How do I become a occupational therapist in Wyoming?
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Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
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 occupational therapy graduates. A 3.06% 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 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov