Physical Therapist Assistant in Oregon: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Oregon employs 890 physical therapist assistants, with a statewide median of $73,180 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Oregon licensing picture, and where to train.
What Physical therapist assistants Earn in Oregon (May 2025)
- Oregon median pay
- $73,180 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $56,620
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $81,290
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $89,480
- Employed in Oregon
- 890
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $65,510 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for physical therapist assistants in major Oregon markets:
- Medford
- $76,340 (50 employed)
- Portland
- $74,690 (470 employed)
- Salem
- $67,090 (130 employed)
- Bend
- $62,490 (80 employed)
- Eugene
- $60,930 (90 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Oregon
Prices in Oregon run about 3% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.4 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $73,180 median is worth closer to $70,774 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Oregon (2024–2034)
Oregon is projected to grow physical therapist assistants employment +24.7%, faster than the +22.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 150 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Oregon License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) — regulated by the Oregon Physical Therapist Licensing Board.
- Earn a CAPTE-accredited PTA associate degree.
- Pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs.
- Apply to the Oregon Physical Therapist Licensing Board.
Official requirements: Oregon Physical Therapist Licensing Board →
Training in Oregon
A 2-year associate leads to a well-paid, hands-on clinical role. Verify CAPTE accreditation and NPTE pass rates.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Oregon include:
- Chemeketa Community College — Associate
- Lane Community College — Associate
- Linn-Benton Community College — Associate
- Mt Hood Community College — Associate
Where Physical therapist assistants Work in Oregon
Real Oregon outpatient rehab clinics that employ physical therapist assistants include:
- John Breuer Rehabilitation Services — Coos Bay
- Infinity Rehab — Lake Oswego
- Physical Therapy Northwest Limited Partnership — Stayton
- Rose Haven Nursing Center — Roseburg
- West Hills Health & Rehabilitation — Portland
- Maryville — Beaverton
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who like active work and helping patients make visible progress.
Think twice if: You need low-contact work or dislike repetitive coaching and physical assistance.
Why it's resilient: Rehab work is physical, relationship-based, adaptive, and centered on coaching real movement.
First Steps
Look for CAPTE-accredited PTA programs in your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Oregon?
The median wage for physical therapist assistants in Oregon is $73,180 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $56,620, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $89,480. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Oregon?
Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), overseen by the Oregon Physical Therapist Licensing Board. Earn a CAPTE-accredited PTA associate degree.
Is being a Physical Therapist Assistant a good career in Oregon?
Rehab work is physical, relationship-based, adaptive, and centered on coaching real movement.
Which Oregon metros pay physical therapist assistants the most?
Among Oregon metro areas, Medford leads at $76,340, followed by Portland ($74,690), Salem ($67,090). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Physical Therapist Assistant in Oregon?
Real Oregon options include Chemeketa Community College, Lane Community College, Linn-Benton Community College. Most physical therapist assistants start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Physical Therapist Assistant a growing career in Oregon?
Oregon projects physical therapist assistants employment to change +24.7% from 2024 to 2034, with about 150 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Oregon statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-2021. Licensing summary compiled from the Oregon Physical Therapist Licensing Board (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Oregon wages · Oregon licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.