Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Klamath Falls, OR: $47,890 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Klamath Falls, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,890 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Klamath Falls's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $46,676 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,493) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting your career as a physical therapist assistant in Klamath Falls, OR, means entering the job market with a projected entry-level salary of around $47,890 in 2026. This figure is notably about 25% lower than the city's median annual salary of $63,493, highlighting some challenges new grads may face as they begin their professional journey. However, it is essential to recognize the potential for growth over the first few years, as salaries can increase to approximately $57,375 at the 25th percentile and potentially reach the median as experience accumulates. Given the anticipated annual growth rate of 2.73%, Klamath Falls presents a moderately favorable environment for new graduates to kick-start their physical therapist assistant careers, allowing for upward mobility and skill development.
About the Klamath Falls Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Klamath Falls
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Klamath Falls
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Klamath Falls, OR typically start between $47,890 and $57,375 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $31,464 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,493 — 9.61% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Oregon of $24,000 represents just 50.11% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($47,890/year) in Klamath Falls. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school programs.
PTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Klamath Falls
- 1Research the Klamath Falls market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $47,890 to $57,375, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in OR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Klamath Falls, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Klamath Falls for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Klamath Falls's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Assistant Compensation Range
The physical therapist assistant wage spread in Klamath Falls is $31,464 ( 65.70%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,890, experienced hygienists can earn up to $79,354.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,656
2025 BLS Actual
$46,617
2026 Current Est.
$47,890
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Klamath Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,656 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,037 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,395 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,312 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,111 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,198 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,617 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,890 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,197 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Klamath Falls, OR grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,656 in 2019 to $46,617 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,197. New graduates entering the Klamath Falls job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Klamath Falls 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.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Klamath Falls
In Klamath Falls, several healthcare facilities actively recruit new graduates, with outpatient chains often being the primary employers for entry-level physical therapist assistants. Skills and credentials such as an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passing the NPTAE national exam, and obtaining a state PTA license in Oregon are essential for securing a position. While skilled nursing facilities continue to hire despite tighter reimbursement rates from Medicare due to the 15% cut instituted in 2022, home health agencies often prefer candidates with one to two years of clinic experience. To effectively increase earning potential, new graduates should aim for continuous education and may consider achieving advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA. Over the first three years in Klamath Falls, salary growth can be promising; proactive networking and seeking opportunities in diverse clinical settings will be key strategies for success in this evolving market.
More salary data for Klamath Falls, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Klamath Falls in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Klamath Falls?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Klamath Falls?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Klamath Falls?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Oregon?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Klamath Falls. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Klamath Falls 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