Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Ashland, OR: $83,052 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Ashland, OR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $83,052/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Ashland's price premium (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $80,947 in average-cost America. The 27% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ashland, Oregon, senior physical therapist assistants are positioned to earn competitive salaries, with top-tier professionals in the field expecting to make up to $83,052 annually in 2026. This figure represents the higher echelons of compensation for this occupation, with the 75th percentile earning around $71,009. The gap between the median salary of $65,328 and these advanced levels underscores the significant premium associated with years of experience and advanced skills. To reach such substantial earnings, PTAs typically require extensive clinical experience, continued education, and potentially additional certifications that enhance their expertise in specialized areas.
About the Ashland Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ashland
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Ashland earn between $71,009 and $83,052 per year (2026 est.). This $36,402 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Ashland median of $65,328 sits 7% below the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Ashland | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $65,328 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,009 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $83,052 | $91,954 |
In Ashland, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 27.13% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Ashland
Advanced Certifications in Oregon
OR physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $65,328 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Ashland employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Ashland command premium compensation, often reaching the $71,009–$83,052 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Ashland metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced physical therapist assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured physical therapist assistants in Ashland with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Physical Therapist Assistants in Oregon who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Physical Therapist Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Ashland
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedAshland ranks #23 of 36 Oregon cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $83,052).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Ashland ($83,052) is 6.73% below the Oregon average P90 ($89,048).
2019 BLS Actual
$73,014
2025 BLS Actual
$80,845
2026 Current Est.
$83,052
2019–2027 Growth
+16.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Ashland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $73,014 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,487 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,409 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,979 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,231 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,377 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,845 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,052 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,319 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Ashland saw their compensation grow 10.7% from $73,014 in 2019 to $80,845 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.73% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $85,319 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ashland 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.
Maximizing Your Physical Therapist Assistant Earnings in Ashland
Looking at the market dynamics, certain specialties are known to attract higher pay in Ashland. For instance, physical therapist assistants working in orthopedic settings, geriatric rehabilitation, and sports medicine often see increased compensation given the demand for their expertise. Employment settings also play a critical role in determining salaries; outpatient orthopedic clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies may offer varied pay scales influenced by Medicare reimbursements and facility budgets. Advancement in this field is also attainable, with career paths leading to roles such as lead PTA or regional clinical educator. Additionally, earning credentials such as the APTA advanced proficiency can further elevate salary potential. However, prospective senior PTAs must remain aware of external factors affecting pay, such as the recent Medicare reimbursement cuts, which have notably impacted earnings across settings reliant on Medicare funding.
More salary data for Ashland, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Ashland in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Ashland?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Ashland?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Ashland?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Ashland?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $80,845 for physical therapist assistants in the Ashland metro area. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ashland 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