Entry-Level Occupational Therapist Salary in Cheyenne, WY: $62,259 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapists entering the Cheyenne, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $62,259 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1122, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cheyenne's local price level (BEA RPP 96.5 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $64,523 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($96,289) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates entering the field of occupational therapy in Cheyenne, Wyoming can expect an entry-level occupational therapist salary that begins at approximately $62,259 in 2026. This starting figure highlights a significant gap when compared to the median annual salary of $96,289 for all occupational therapists in the city. However, with experience and skill development, new OTs can anticipate moving up through the pay scale over their first few years, potentially reaching around $80,026 by year three. Overall, Cheyenne presents a reasonably favorable market for newly minted therapists, especially considering the projected 3.06% annual growth rate in salaries for the profession over the next several years.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cheyenne
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 Cheyenne
Entry-level occupational therapists in Cheyenne, WY typically start between $62,259 and $80,026 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $69,441 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $96,289 — 6.88% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Wyoming of $80,000 represents just 128.50% of the starting occupational therapist pay ($62,259/year) in Cheyenne. 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 Cheyenne
- 1Research the Cheyenne market: entry-level occupational therapist pay ranges from $62,259 to $80,026, 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 Cheyenne, 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 Cheyenne for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cheyenne'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 Cheyenne is $69,441 ( 111.54%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $62,259, experienced hygienists can earn up to $131,700.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$63,810
2025 BLS Actual
$60,410
2026 Current Est.
$62,259
2019–2027 Growth
+0.6%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Cheyenne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,810 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,490 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,270 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,320 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,960 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,330 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,410 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,259 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,164 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Cheyenne, WY grew -5.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $63,810 in 2019 to $60,410 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,164. New graduates entering the Cheyenne job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
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 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 Cheyenne
In Cheyenne, various employers hire recent graduates in occupational therapy, including hospitals that often provide residency programs for advanced training and specialization. Local school districts frequently offer contracts that appeal to new grads, ensuring a job for the summer breaks. Skilled nursing facility (SNF) rehabilitation firms tend to aggressively recruit, though new hires should be prepared for productivity pressures. To enhance starting pay and marketability, new therapists should obtain credentials from an ACOTE-accredited program, pass the NBCOT national exam, and secure state licensure. As demands for entry-level therapists evolve, the upcoming requirement for a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy by 2027 could shape the local job market. Maintaining ongoing education and pursuing specialized certifications, such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), will also significantly impact earning potential in these formative career years and ensure competitiveness in the Cheyenne job market.
More salary data for Cheyenne, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapists in Cheyenne in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapist salaries grow in Cheyenne?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Cheyenne?
What do new occupational therapists make right out of school in Cheyenne?
How do I become a occupational therapist in Wyoming?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wyoming
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 Cheyenne. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
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 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