Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Portland, OR: $36.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Portland, OR runs $36.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,729 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Portland's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.4, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,039 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Portland, Oregon, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $36.89 per hour in 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $33.77. This competitive hourly rate suggests promising opportunities for both full-time and part-time professionals working in various settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health services, and pediatric therapy environments. For those working part-time, such as a three-day work week, this hourly wage can provide a comfortable income while offering flexibility. The hourly range reflects the potential earnings of physical therapist assistants, with entry-level positions starting at around $27.71 and top earners reaching as high as $44.82 per hour, showcasing the opportunities for growth within this field.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.71 | $221.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.38 | $251.07 |
| Median (P50) | $36.89 | $295.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.93 | $327.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.82 | $358.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Portland
Based on $36.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.89/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Portland, OR can expect to earn approximately $76,732 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,268. With a cost-of-living index of 105.42 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Portland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Portland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,475.61 | $6,394 | $76,732 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $885.37 | $3,837 | $46,039 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $590.25 | $2,558 | $30,693 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Portland) | $36.89 |
| 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 Portland, OR earn a median of $76,729 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.23% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 11.30% above the Oregon state average of $68,939.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.89/hr = $46,039/year (purchasing power: $43,672).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,732/year (purchasing power: $72,786).
CoL index: 105.421 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.0%
Hourly Rate 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 | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Portland grew 21.3% from $29.60/hr (2019) to $35.91/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.90/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 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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist Assistant in Portland
When considering the earning potential in Portland, a physical therapist assistant working part-time at 24 hours per week could take home approximately $46,000 annually, a substantial amount even compared to full-time colleagues. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Portland can vary widely, typically billing between $32-$48 per hour, and those on travel contracts can earn between $1,200-$1,800 weekly, though the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut since 2022 has pressured some settings, particularly skilled nursing facilities, to offer lower rates. Hourly rates are not uniform across employers; for example, outpatient orthopedic clinics may pay more than home health agencies or school programs. As some physical therapist assistants opt for positions with lower hourly rates but with benefits like health insurance, negotiating the balance between pay and benefits is key. Understanding the job market and employer types can enhance one's negotiation strategy, helping to maximize earning potential while adapting to local market conditions.
More salary data for Portland, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Portland in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Portland?
Are physical therapist assistants in Portland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Portland?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Portland?
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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 Portland. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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