Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Sherwood, OR: $46,884 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Sherwood, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,884 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sherwood's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $45,696 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,308) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of physical therapy assistance in Sherwood, Oregon, can expect to see starting salaries that begin at approximately $46,884 annually in 2026. While this figure represents the lower bounds of entry-level pay, it is essential to recognize that the city’s median salary stands at $65,308, highlighting a discernible pay gap. For newly minted PTAs, earning a starting salary will likely improve significantly over the first three to five years, as many will progress toward the 25th percentile at $57,236 and beyond. Given Sherwood's comparatively high median salary, aspiring physical therapist assistants can find opportunities for growth and stability in their salaries, making it an encouraging market for new PTA graduates who are seeking their first positions.
About the Sherwood Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Sherwood
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 Sherwood
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Sherwood, OR typically start between $46,884 and $57,236 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $36,102 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,308 — 7.03% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Oregon of $24,000 represents just 51.19% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($46,884/year) in Sherwood. 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 Sherwood
- 1Research the Sherwood market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $46,884 to $57,236, 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 Sherwood, 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 Sherwood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Sherwood'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 Sherwood is $36,102 ( 77.00%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,884, experienced hygienists can earn up to $82,986.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,970
2025 BLS Actual
$45,638
2026 Current Est.
$46,884
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Sherwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,970 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,343 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,631 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,423 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,247 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,158 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,638 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,884 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,164 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Sherwood, OR grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,970 in 2019 to $45,638 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,164. New graduates entering the Sherwood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sherwood 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 Sherwood
Employers in Sherwood include a range of outpatient rehabilitation facilities which primarily hire new graduates, providing solid entry points into the profession. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) still offer positions, though recent cuts to Medicare reimbursement have put financial pressure on these settings, making entry more competitive due to a preference for candidates with some experience. Qualifications that can enhance starting pay include an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTAE national exam, obtaining a state PTA license, and certifications through the APTA, which can elevate a candidate's profile. As new PTAs navigate their early years, they should anticipate realistic salary advancements in the local market. With the 15% reduction in Medicare Part B reimbursement for PTA services initiated in 2022, it’s imperative that new graduates stay informed about industry changes and seek positions in diverse settings to optimize their career potential.
More salary data for Sherwood, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Sherwood in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Sherwood?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Sherwood?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Sherwood?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Oregon?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Oregon
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 Sherwood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Sherwood 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