Entry-Level Occupational Therapist Salary in Rawlins, WY: $68,649 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapists entering the Rawlins, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $68,649 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1122, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Rawlins's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $71,659 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($93,885) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rawlins, WY, new graduates entering the field of occupational therapy can anticipate starting salaries around $68,649 in 2026. This figure, while modest, is part of a growth trajectory as early-career professionals work toward the median annual salary of $93,885 in the city. New occupational therapists can realistically expect to see salary increases as they gain experience, with potential earnings moving to $77,232 after a couple of years. While Rawlins reflects a slightly lower salary range compared to the national average, the local job market offers opportunities for first-time job seekers, making it a viable place to start a career in occupational therapy.
About the Rawlins Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Rawlins
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 Rawlins
Entry-level occupational therapists in Rawlins, WY typically start between $68,649 and $77,232 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $51,236 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $93,885 — 9.2% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Wyoming of $80,000 represents just 116.53% of the starting occupational therapist pay ($68,649/year) in Rawlins. 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 Rawlins
- 1Research the Rawlins market: entry-level occupational therapist pay ranges from $68,649 to $77,232, 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 Rawlins, 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 Rawlins for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Rawlins'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 Rawlins is $51,236 ( 74.63%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $68,649, experienced hygienists can earn up to $119,885.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,776
2025 BLS Actual
$66,611
2026 Current Est.
$68,649
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Rawlins (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,776 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,268 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,381 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,834 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,590 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,679 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,611 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,649 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,750 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Rawlins, WY grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,776 in 2019 to $66,611 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $70,750. New graduates entering the Rawlins job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rawlins 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 Rawlins
In Rawlins, various employers seek to hire entry-level occupational therapists, which can facilitate a smoother transition for new grads into professional practice. Hospitals may offer residency programs that enable fresh graduates to gain specialized skills and certifications, while school districts often recruit new therapists looking for contracts that typically include summer breaks. Meanwhile, skilled nursing facilities aggressively pursue new hires, although they come with the pressure of productivity metrics. To enhance their earning potential in Wyoming, new therapists should focus on obtaining a Master’s (MOT) or an entry-level Doctorate (OTD) from an ACOTE-accredited program and passing the NBCOT national exam. Continuing education and advanced certifications, such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential, can also significantly boost starting pay. As the field evolves—moving toward a mandatory OTD by 2027—entry-level therapists must remain adaptable and open to seizing both opportunities and challenges in their first few years of practice.
More salary data for Rawlins, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapists in Rawlins in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapist salaries grow in Rawlins?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Rawlins?
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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 Rawlins. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Rawlins 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