Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in McMinnville, OR: $49,112 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the McMinnville, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,112 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out McMinnville's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,867 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($68,328) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For newly graduated physical therapist assistants entering the workforce in McMinnville, Oregon, the starting physical therapist assistant salary is projected to be around $49,112 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the pay scale and is notably below the city’s median annual salary of $68,328, highlighting the initial gap young professionals may face. However, as they gain experience, these entry-level workers have the potential to move up the pay scale, reaching approximately $60,116 after a few years and potentially achieving the median salary as they progress in their careers. Given the projected growth rate of 2.73% annually, the McMinnville job market appears promising for new graduates, making it a viable location to kickstart their careers while they gain essential skills and experience in the field.
About the McMinnville Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in McMinnville
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 McMinnville
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in McMinnville, OR typically start between $49,112 and $60,116 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $35,711 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $68,328 — 2.73% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Oregon of $24,000 represents just 48.87% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($49,112/year) in McMinnville. 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 McMinnville
- 1Research the McMinnville market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $49,112 to $60,116, 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 McMinnville, 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 McMinnville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5McMinnville'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 McMinnville is $35,711 ( 72.71%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,112, experienced hygienists can earn up to $84,823.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,490
2025 BLS Actual
$47,807
2026 Current Est.
$49,112
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in McMinnville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,490 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,880 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,325 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,392 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,160 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,485 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,807 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,112 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,453 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in McMinnville, OR grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,490 in 2019 to $47,807 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,453. New graduates entering the McMinnville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the McMinnville 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 McMinnville
Employment opportunities for entry-level physical therapist assistants in McMinnville are primarily found in outpatient clinics, where many new graduates begin their careers. Facilities such as rehabilitation centers and skilled nursing facilities also continue to hire, despite facing financial constraints due to recent Medicare reimbursement cuts. To enhance their employability and starting pay, recent graduates should ensure they possess the required credentials, including an associate’s degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTAE national exam, and obtaining a state PTA license. While employers in home health agencies may prefer hiring candidates with at least one to two years of clinic experience, those who strategically seek out entry-level positions within outpatient settings have the chance for significant salary growth in the first three years. Given the current landscape, PTAs are expected to adapt as reimbursements evolve, and continuous education or advanced proficiency certifications from APTA can help elevate their marketability and future earnings in McMinnville.
More salary data for McMinnville, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in McMinnville in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in McMinnville?
Is physical therapy school worth it in McMinnville?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in McMinnville?
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 McMinnville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for McMinnville 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