Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Roseburg, OR: $45,971 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Roseburg, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,971 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Roseburg's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $44,806 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,960) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Many new graduates entering the physical therapist assistant profession in Roseburg, Oregon, may find starting salaries to be modest compared to the city median. In 2026, the entry-level physical therapist assistant salary in Roseburg is projected to begin around $45,971, which sets the stage for what fresh hires can expect as they embark on their careers. This figure is significantly below the median annual salary of $64,960, illustrating a noticeable gap that can be addressed as PTAs gain experience and potentially move toward the P25 salary of $60,534 within a few years. Early-career professionals can anticipate growth in their earnings trajectory as they progress towards the median; thus, Roseburg remains a viable market for new PTA graduates seeking to establish a foothold in the field.
About the Roseburg Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Roseburg
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 Roseburg
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Roseburg, OR typically start between $45,971 and $60,534 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $35,763 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,960 — 7.53% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Oregon of $24,000 represents just 52.21% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($45,971/year) in Roseburg. 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 Roseburg
- 1Research the Roseburg market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $45,971 to $60,534, 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 Roseburg, 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 Roseburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Roseburg'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 Roseburg is $35,763 ( 77.79%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,971, experienced hygienists can earn up to $81,734.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,348
2025 BLS Actual
$44,749
2026 Current Est.
$45,971
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Roseburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,348 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,713 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,937 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,616 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,463 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,205 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,749 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,971 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,226 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Roseburg, OR grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,348 in 2019 to $44,749 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,226. New graduates entering the Roseburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Roseburg 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 Roseburg
In the current job market, several types of employers actively seek newly licensed physical therapist assistants in Roseburg. Outpatient chains are often the most welcoming to fresh graduates, providing a solid entry point to the profession. Meanwhile, skilled nursing facilities continue to recruit despite facing challenges with reimbursement cuts, while home health agencies may prioritize candidates with 1-2 years of clinical experience. To improve starting pay, new PTAs should ensure they have an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, pass the NPTAE national exam, and secure a state PTA license. Additionally, obtaining advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA could enhance earning potential. Given the impacts of the 15% Medicare reimbursement reduction that began in 2022, new graduates should adopt a proactive career strategy over their first 1-3 years, prioritizing affiliations that align with growth opportunities. Realistically, new graduates can expect steady salary progression and should engage with professional development to navigate the early stages of their careers successfully.
More salary data for Roseburg, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Roseburg in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Roseburg?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Roseburg?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Roseburg?
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 Roseburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Roseburg 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