Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Milwaukie, OR: $47,526 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Milwaukie, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,526 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Milwaukie's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $46,322 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,343) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the physical therapy assistant field in Milwaukie, Oregon, the starting physical therapist assistant salary is projected to be around $47,526 in 2026. When compared to the median salary of $63,343 for all physical therapist assistants in the city, this starting figure illustrates a significant gap that new PTAs may need to navigate. As entry-level professionals gain experience, they can expect their pay to gradually increase, potentially reaching around $57,057 after a few years, and moving closer to the median as they establish their practice. Given the 2.73% annual growth rate in the industry, Milwaukie presents a competitive market for entry-level positions, which can be an encouraging factor for new graduates seeking their first role in this field.
About the Milwaukie Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Milwaukie
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 Milwaukie
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Milwaukie, OR typically start between $47,526 and $57,057 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $31,336 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,343 — 9.83% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Oregon of $24,000 represents just 50.50% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($47,526/year) in Milwaukie. 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 Milwaukie
- 1Research the Milwaukie market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $47,526 to $57,057, 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 Milwaukie, 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 Milwaukie for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Milwaukie'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 Milwaukie is $31,336 ( 65.93%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,526, experienced hygienists can earn up to $78,862.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,408
2025 BLS Actual
$46,263
2026 Current Est.
$47,526
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Milwaukie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,408 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,786 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,119 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,990 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,799 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,819 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,263 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,526 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,823 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Milwaukie, OR grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,408 in 2019 to $46,263 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,823. New graduates entering the Milwaukie job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Milwaukie 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 Milwaukie
Employers in Milwaukie favor hiring new graduates from structured programs, particularly outpatient clinics and rehabilitation centers, which often offer the most opportunities for entry-level physical therapist assistants. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continue to recruit new PTAs despite recent reimbursement cuts, while home health agencies tend to prefer candidates with a year or two of clinical experience. Graduates should ensure they have obtained their credentials, which include an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passing the NPTAE national exam, acquiring a state PTA license, and holding BLS certification. Those looking to enhance their starting pay may also pursue advanced proficiency credentials through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Given the potential salary compression arising from the 15% Medicare Part B reimbursement cuts affecting PTA services, new graduates should plan for realistic salary growth in their first few years, allowing for a gradual increase as they gain valuable experience under the supervision of licensed physical therapists.
More salary data for Milwaukie, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Milwaukie in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Milwaukie?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Milwaukie?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Milwaukie?
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 Milwaukie. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Milwaukie 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