Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Canby, OR: $45,671 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Canby, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,671 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Canby's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $44,514 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,923) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field as physical therapist assistants (PTAs) in Canby, Oregon, can anticipate an entry-level salary of approximately $45,671. Compared to the city’s overall median annual salary of $64,923, there is a noticeable gap, indicating that fresh graduates may need to consider career growth opportunities to bridge that divide. With a projected growth trajectory, these entry-level roles offer the potential to reach the P25 level of $60,441 within the first few years. As Canby has a growing healthcare sector, it provides a relatively favorable job market for new PTAs, especially for those who are prepared to invest in their professional development.
About the Canby Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Canby
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 Canby
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Canby, OR typically start between $45,671 and $60,441 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $32,228 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,923 — 7.58% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Oregon of $24,000 represents just 52.55% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($45,671/year) in Canby. 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 CAPTE-accredited Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school programs.
PTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Canby
- 1Research the Canby market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $45,671 to $60,441, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in OR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Canby, 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 Canby for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Canby's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Assistant Compensation Range
The physical therapist assistant wage spread in Canby is $32,228 ( 70.57%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,671, experienced hygienists can earn up to $77,899.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,143
2025 BLS Actual
$44,457
2026 Current Est.
$45,671
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Canby (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,143 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,506 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,709 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,351 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,206 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,893 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,457 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,671 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,917 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Canby, OR grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,143 in 2019 to $44,457 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $46,917. New graduates entering the Canby job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Canby 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 2.73% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Canby
When pursuing entry-level opportunities in Canby, various employers play vital roles in hiring recent graduates. Outpatient therapy chains typically recruit the majority of new PTA grads, while skilled nursing facilities still seek to fill positions despite reimbursement challenges. Home health agencies often prefer candidates with some experience, typically favoring those with one to two years in a clinic. To enhance earning potential, it is essential for new PTAs to earn credentials including an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, pass the NPTAE national exam, and secure a state PTA license. The 15% reduction in Medicare Part B reimbursement for services delivered by PTAs has affected salary structures significantly, particularly in settings reliant on Medicare funding. Therefore, first-year expectations may yield modest earnings, with realistic growth enhancing the pay scale as PTAs work under the supervision of licensed physical therapists and adapt to the evolving industry landscape.
More salary data for Canby, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Canby in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Canby?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Canby?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Canby?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Oregon?
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Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
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 physical therapy graduates. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Canby. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Canby 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 2.73%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapist assistants (SOC 31-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov