Eugene vs Happy Valley: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Eugene, OR and Happy Valley, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Eugene, OR | Happy Valley, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,593 | $65,546▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.10 | $31.52▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,803▲ | $47,393 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,642▲ | $57,744 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,653▲ | $71,550 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,413▲ | $83,585 |
| Total Employed | 90▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Eugene and Happy Valley are closely matched on overall physical therapist assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Eugene and Happy Valley is $2,953 (4.72%). Happy Valley's median is -6.69% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Eugene spans $25,610,Happy Valley spans $36,192. Happy Valley has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Happy Valley ($63,885 effective) pays 3.66% more than Eugene ($61,627 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Eugene if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,413)
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Happy Valley if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,546/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,885)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Eugene grew -2.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -6.6% growth in Happy Valley over the same period.
Eugene, OR
$62,600 (2019) → $60,930 (2025)
Happy Valley, OR
$68,302 (2024) → $63,804 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Eugene, OR
Happy Valley, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Eugene or Happy Valley?
What is the hourly rate difference between Eugene and Happy Valley?
Should I relocate from Eugene to Happy Valley as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Eugene vs Happy Valley?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov