Happy Valley vs Salem: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Happy Valley, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Happy Valley, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,546 | $68,922▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.52 | $33.14▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,393 | $54,303▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $57,744 | $62,224▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $71,550 | $79,914▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,585 | $85,430▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Happy Valley.
The salary gap between Happy Valley and Salem is $3,376 (5.15%). Salem's median is -1.89% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Happy Valley spans $36,192,Salem spans $31,127. Happy Valley has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Salem ($66,496 effective) pays 4.09% more than Happy Valley ($63,885 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Happy Valley if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,922/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,430)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,496)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Happy Valley grew -6.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.4% growth in Salem over the same period.
Happy Valley, OR
$68,302 (2024) → $63,804 (2025)
Salem, OR
$55,730 (2019) → $67,090 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Happy Valley, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Happy Valley or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Happy Valley and Salem?
Should I relocate from Happy Valley to Salem as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Happy Valley vs Salem?
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