Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Hillsboro, OR: $53,652 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Hillsboro, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,652 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hillsboro's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,292 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($78,475) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the physical therapist assistant field in Hillsboro can expect a starting salary around $53,652, which reflects the lower end of the salary range for the profession. This amount is considerably below the city median salary of $78,475, indicating a gap that may require new PTAs to seek additional experience or specialized skills to bridge. Over the first few years of their careers, physical therapist assistants in Hillsboro can anticipate gradual income growth, moving towards the $67,397 mark at the 25th percentile and ideally reaching the median salary as they gain hands-on experience. Considering the local job market and the projected growth rate of 2.73%, Hillsboro presents a reasonably good environment for entry-level PTAs, as demand for rehabilitation services continues to rise.
About the Hillsboro Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hillsboro
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 Hillsboro
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Hillsboro, OR typically start between $53,652 and $67,397 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,701 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $78,475 — 11.71% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Oregon of $24,000 represents just 44.73% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($53,652/year) in Hillsboro. 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 Hillsboro
- 1Research the Hillsboro market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $53,652 to $67,397, 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 Hillsboro, 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 Hillsboro for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hillsboro'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 Hillsboro is $48,701 ( 90.77%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,652, experienced hygienists can earn up to $102,353.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,586
2025 BLS Actual
$52,226
2026 Current Est.
$53,652
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Hillsboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,586 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,012 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,775 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,403 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,057 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,025 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,226 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,652 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,116 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Hillsboro, OR grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,586 in 2019 to $52,226 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,116. New graduates entering the Hillsboro job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hillsboro 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 Hillsboro
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Employers in Hillsboro that hire new graduates predominantly include outpatient rehabilitation chains, which actively seek to onboard physical therapist assistants who just completed their education. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) also remain open to hiring entry-level PTAs despite recent 15% reimbursement cuts to Medicare Part B for PTA-provided services, though new graduates may find opportunities more plentiful within outpatient settings. Newly minted PTAs should ensure they hold an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, pass the NPTAE, obtain state licensure, and complete BLS certification to enhance their initial pay. Additionally, pursuing advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can further elevate their earning potential. In the first one to three years, career strategies could involve seeking diverse clinical experiences, as working under a PT's supervision allows for a well-rounded skill set while navigating any shifts in the job market due to Medicare policy changes. Realistically, new PTAs may see their salaries increase steadily as they progress from the entry-level position, benefiting from the growing need for physical therapy services throughout the state.
More salary data for Hillsboro, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Hillsboro in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Hillsboro?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Hillsboro?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Hillsboro?
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 Hillsboro. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hillsboro 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