Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Forest Grove, OR: $32.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Forest Grove, OR runs $32.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,290 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Forest Grove's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,372 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Forest Grove, the projected physical therapist assistant hourly pay for 2026 stands at $32.35, slightly below the national median of $33.77 per hour. This hourly rate reflects the earning potential for both part-time employees, who might work three days a week, and per-diem workers who seek flexibility across various healthcare settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. For those just beginning their careers, entry-level pay reaches about $22.43, while top earners can command up to $40.33 per hour. These figures denote the growing demand for physical therapist assistants as healthcare facilities optimize patient care while adhering to the current economic landscape.
About the Forest Grove Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.43 | $179.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.85 | $222.80 |
| Median (P50) | $32.35 | $258.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.35 | $290.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.33 | $322.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Forest Grove
Based on $32.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.35/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Forest Grove, OR can expect to earn approximately $67,287 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,820. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Forest Grove.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Forest Grove
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,293.99 | $5,607 | $67,287 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $776.39 | $3,364 | $40,372 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $517.59 | $2,243 | $26,915 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Forest Grove) | $32.35 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Massage Therapist (National Avg) | $27.10 |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Forest Grove, OR earn a median of $67,290 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.21% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 2.40% below the Oregon state average of $68,945.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.35/hr = $40,372/year (purchasing power: $39,349).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,287/year (purchasing power: $65,582).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Forest Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Forest Grove grew 16.3% from $27.07/hr (2019) to $31.49/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.23/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapist assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Forest Grove 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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist Assistant in Forest Grove
Considering part-time employment, a physical therapist assistant working a 24-hour week in Forest Grove could expect to earn roughly $40,000 annually, providing a livable income while maintaining work-life balance. Per-diem roles often offer a pay range of $32 to $48 per hour, especially for contract positions, though the recent 15% Medicare reimbursement cut has pressured pay rates in settings heavily reliant on these reimbursements, such as skilled nursing facilities. Hourly rates also depend on the employer, with outpatient orthopedic clinics possibly offering more competitive wages compared to home health or school therapy programs. For those looking to negotiate their pay, understanding the employer's budget constraints and the specific benefits associated with hourly pay—such as health insurance versus higher wages without benefits—can significantly impact overall job satisfaction and financial stability. Exploring PTA-to-DPT bridge pathways may also provide opportunities for advanced career options and potentially higher earnings down the line.
More salary data for Forest Grove, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Forest Grove in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Forest Grove?
Are physical therapist assistants in Forest Grove paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Forest Grove?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Forest Grove?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapist assistants in Forest Grove. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Forest Grove 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