Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Keizer, OR: $47,469 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Keizer, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,469 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Keizer's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $46,266 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,311) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the physical therapist assistant field in Keizer, Oregon, the starting physical therapist assistant salary is considerably lower than the city median. With entry-level positions paying around $47,469, new PTAs can expect a significant gap compared to the median annual salary of $65,311. However, there is a promising growth trajectory as they gain experience; after a few years, salaries can rise through the $56,398 mark and beyond. Given the projected annual growth rate of 2.73%, Keizer can be seen as a viable market for recent PTA grads, especially considering the ongoing demand for physical therapy services in the area.
About the Keizer Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Keizer
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 Keizer
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Keizer, OR typically start between $47,469 and $56,398 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $34,227 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,311 — 7.03% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Oregon of $24,000 represents just 50.56% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($47,469/year) in Keizer. 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 Keizer
- 1Research the Keizer market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $47,469 to $56,398, 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 Keizer, 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 Keizer for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Keizer'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 Keizer is $34,227 ( 72.10%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,469, experienced hygienists can earn up to $81,696.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,370
2025 BLS Actual
$46,208
2026 Current Est.
$47,469
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Keizer (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,370 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,747 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,076 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,940 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,750 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,760 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,208 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,469 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,765 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Keizer, OR grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,370 in 2019 to $46,208 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,765. New graduates entering the Keizer job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Keizer 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 Keizer
Looking at the local employment scene, several employers in Keizer tend to hire entry-level physical therapist assistants, particularly outpatient clinics that frequently welcome new graduates. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continue to recruit PTAs even amid recent reimbursement challenges, which can still present opportunities for new hires. To help boost starting pay, acquiring an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program and passing the NPTAE national exam are essential steps for aspiring professionals. Additionally, understanding the impact of Medicare cuts on PTA roles is crucial, as these have affected salaries in settings reliant on Medicare reimbursements. For new PTAs, the first few years should include strategic efforts to advance their skills and possibly pursue bridging programs to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, which can lead to significantly higher earning potential down the line.
More salary data for Keizer, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Keizer in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Keizer?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Keizer?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Keizer?
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 Keizer. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Keizer 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