Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Grants Pass, OR: $85,480 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Grants Pass, OR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $85,480/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Grants Pass's price premium (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $83,314 in average-cost America. The 28% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Grants Pass, Oregon, the path to achieving a senior physical therapist assistant pay level is both rewarding and competitive, particularly for those with extensive experience exceeding seven years. Top earners in this field can anticipate a salary reaching as high as $85,480 in 2026, significantly outpacing the median annual salary of $66,552. This $18,928 gap highlights the substantial experience premium that seasoned professionals can command. To access these elevated pay brackets, PTAs must consistently demonstrate advanced clinical skills, build a robust portfolio of specializations, and often pursue leadership opportunities within their practice, further enhancing their professional credibility and marketability.
About the Grants Pass Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Grants Pass
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Grants Pass earn between $76,454 and $85,480 per year (2026 est.). This $35,141 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Grants Pass median of $66,552 sits 5.26% below the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Grants Pass | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $66,552 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,454 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $85,480 | $91,954 |
In Grants Pass, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 28.44% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Grants Pass
Advanced Certifications in Oregon
OR physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $66,552 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Grants Pass employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Grants Pass command premium compensation, often reaching the $76,454–$85,480 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Grants Pass 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 Grants Pass 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 Grants Pass
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedGrants Pass ranks #11 of 36 Oregon cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $85,480).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Grants Pass ($85,480) is 4.01% below the Oregon average P90 ($89,048).
2019 BLS Actual
$75,148
2025 BLS Actual
$83,208
2026 Current Est.
$85,480
2019–2027 Growth
+16.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Grants Pass (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,148 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,664 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,526 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,229 | Actual |
| 2023 | $82,576 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,002 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,208 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,480 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,813 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Grants Pass saw their compensation grow 10.7% from $75,148 in 2019 to $83,208 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 $87,813 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Grants Pass 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 Grants Pass
Compensation strategies for experienced physical therapist assistants in Grants Pass vary remarkably based on the setting and specialization pursued. Notably, practitioners focusing on orthopedic rehabilitation, geriatric and skilled nursing facility (SNF) rehab, or pediatric care often earn a premium due to the specialized knowledge required in these areas. Employed by outpatient orthopedic clinics, skilled nursing facilities, or home health agencies, senior PTAs can expect differing pay scales, reflecting the varying demands of each environment. Opportunities for career advancement include roles such as clinic operations supervisor or regional clinical educator, which not only elevate one's position but also correspondingly increase salary potential. Furthermore, possessing advanced credentials—such as an associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program or proficiency through the APTA—can significantly boost earning potential in Oregon's competitive market. However, with the impact of the 15% Medicare cut on reimbursement for PTA services, senior professionals must consider the nuances of their work environment and compensation packages that incorporate productivity expectations and additional benefits.
More salary data for Grants Pass, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Grants Pass in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Grants Pass?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Grants Pass?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Grants Pass?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Grants Pass?
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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
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 $83,208 for physical therapist assistants in the Grants Pass 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 Grants Pass 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