Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Portland, OR: $57,632 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Portland, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,632 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Portland's local price level (BEA RPP 105.4 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,668 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($76,729) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the field of physical therapy assistance in Portland, Oregon, the starting physical therapist assistant salary in 2026 is projected to be around $57,632. This figure is notably lower than the city's median annual salary of $76,729, indicating a significant gap that many entry-level professionals may experience initially. However, with a growth trajectory that allows for increased earnings over the first few years—transitioning from that initial salary to approximately $65,285 by the 25th percentile—new PTAs have a clear path toward higher pay as they gain experience. Portland presents a vibrant market for these new graduates, with a steady demand for physical therapist assistants, providing ample opportunities to advance their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Portland
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 Portland
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Portland, OR typically start between $57,632 and $65,285 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $35,606 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $76,729 — 9.23% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Oregon of $24,000 represents just 41.64% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($57,632/year) in Portland. 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 Portland
- 1Research the Portland market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $57,632 to $65,285, 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 Portland, 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 Portland for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Portland'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 Portland is $35,606 ( 61.78%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,632, experienced hygienists can earn up to $93,238.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$50,340
2025 BLS Actual
$56,100
2026 Current Est.
$57,632
2019–2027 Growth
+17.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,340 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,940 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,710 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,710 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,540 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,720 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,100 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,632 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,205 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Portland, OR grew 11.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $50,340 in 2019 to $56,100 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $59,205. New graduates entering the Portland job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Portland 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 Portland
New graduates seeking employment in Portland should focus on outpatient rehabilitation chains, which tend to hire a large number of newly certified PTAs. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) still recruit, although they may face challenges due to reimbursement cuts impacting PTA pay at these locations. When considering furthering their qualifications, new PTAs should prioritize obtaining their Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTAE national exam, and securing their state PTA license. For those looking to enhance their employability and salary potential, additional credentials available through the APTA can be beneficial. While recent changes, such as the 15% Medicare cut for PTA services effective 2022, may temporarily compress starting salaries, proactive career strategies that include gaining clinical experience and exploring pathways to transitioning into a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree can significantly improve long-term earnings in this evolving market.
More salary data for Portland, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Portland in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Portland?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Portland?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Portland?
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 Portland. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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