Entry-Level Nurse Practitioner Salary in Rawlins, WY: $97,668 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse practitioners entering the Rawlins, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $97,668 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1171, 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 $101,950 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($124,269) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rawlins, Wyoming, new graduate nurse practitioners can expect to begin their careers with a starting salary around $97,668 in 2026. This figure is notably below the city's median annual salary for nurse practitioners, which stands at $124,269, indicating a potential gap of approximately $26,601 for entry-level positions. However, newcomers should keep in mind that there is a growth trajectory in the first several years of practice, with salaries moving from the P10 level to the P25 level, at $111,129, and eventually approaching the median. With a projected growth rate of 3.45%, Rawlins offers a reasonably favorable market for new nurse practitioners seeking to launch their careers, especially given the cost of living index of 95.8, which may enhance the purchasing power of these salaries.
About the Rawlins Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($126,000) 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 nurse practitioners in Rawlins, WY typically start between $97,668 and $111,129 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $61,391 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $124,269 — 9.2% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average advanced practice nursing program cost in Wyoming of $70,000 represents just 71.67% of the starting nurse practitioner pay ($97,668/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 CCNE- and ACEN-accredited graduate nursing programs. Tuition varies significantly between public in-state MSN programs and private DNP programs, and often requires completed BSN coursework as a prerequisite.
NP Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Rawlins
- 1Research the Rawlins market: entry-level nurse practitioner pay ranges from $97,668 to $111,129, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the advanced practice nursing 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.
Nurse Practitioner Compensation Range
The nurse practitioner wage spread in Rawlins is $61,391 ( 62.86%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $97,668, experienced hygienists can earn up to $159,059.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$75,844
2025 BLS Actual
$94,411
2026 Current Est.
$97,668
2019–2027 Growth
+33.2%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Practitioners in Rawlins (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.45% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,844 | Actual |
| 2020 | $77,288 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,036 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,368 | Actual |
| 2023 | $88,067 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,962 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,411 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $97,668 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,038 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse practitioner compensation (10th percentile) in Rawlins, WY grew 24.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $75,844 in 2019 to $94,411 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $101,038. 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 3.45% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your advanced practice nursing Career in Rawlins
Employers in Rawlins who hire entry-level nurse practitioners predominantly include primary care offices and urgent care chains that typically have structured onboarding programs for new graduates. Additionally, larger hospital systems may provide residency or fellowship opportunities, particularly for Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs). Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) often find attractive positions in telehealth, capitalizing on the increasing demand for mental health services. To optimize starting pay, aspiring nurse practitioners should consider obtaining relevant credentials, such as an active RN license, an MSN or DNP from an accredited program, and national certification from either AANP or ANCC. The scope of practice for nurse practitioners in Wyoming allows for various levels of independence, and while salaries may not immediately align with the national median of $136,864, proactive career strategies focusing on the required certifications and continuing education can lead to noticeable salary increases in the early years of practice.
More salary data for Rawlins, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
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 advanced practice nursing graduates. A 3.45% 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 3.45%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for nurse practitioners (SOC 29-1171).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov