Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Springfield, OR: $44,564 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Springfield, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,564 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Springfield's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $43,435 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($61,785) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the workforce as physical therapist assistants in Springfield, Oregon, expectations regarding entry-level pay are crucial. With a starting salary projected at $44,564 for 2026, recent graduates will find themselves nearly $17,000 below the city's median annual salary of $61,785. However, there is room for growth; as entry-level professionals gain experience, they can progress from the 25th percentile earnings of $54,652 within just a few years, in pursuit of the median. The local market presents a relatively stable opportunity for new PTAs, driven by consistent demand for rehabilitation services in Springfield, which suggests that these positions could be worthwhile despite the initial financial gap.
About the Springfield Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Springfield
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 Springfield
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Springfield, OR typically start between $44,564 and $54,652 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $36,368 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $61,785 — 12.05% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Oregon of $24,000 represents just 53.86% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($44,564/year) in Springfield. 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 Springfield
- 1Research the Springfield market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $44,564 to $54,652, 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 Springfield, 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 Springfield for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Springfield'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 Springfield is $36,368 ( 81.61%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,564, experienced hygienists can earn up to $80,932.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,389
2025 BLS Actual
$43,380
2026 Current Est.
$44,564
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Springfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,389 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,743 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,868 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,374 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,256 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,915 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,380 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,564 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,781 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Springfield, OR grew 42.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,389 in 2019 to $43,380 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,781. New graduates entering the Springfield job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Springfield 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 Springfield
Those looking to establish their careers in Springfield should note that employers primarily hiring early-career physical therapist assistants include outpatient chains and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), though the latter remain competitive despite reimbursement challenges. Agencies focused on home health may prefer applicants with some clinical experience, which can impact initial employment prospects. To enhance starting compensation in Oregon, essential credentials include an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passing the NPTAE exam, and obtaining a state PTA license. As industry changes unfold, particularly post-CMS Medicare cuts, maintaining awareness of the evolving landscape remains critical for new grads. For the first 1-3 years, PTAs can expect their salaries to increase gradually, contingent upon their ability to adapt to workplace demands and pursue further education through advanced proficiency credentials via the APTA.
More salary data for Springfield, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Springfield in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Springfield?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Springfield?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Springfield?
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 Springfield. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Springfield 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