Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Tualatin, OR: $31.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Tualatin, OR runs $31.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,215 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Tualatin's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,731 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Tualatin, Oregon, the projected median hourly pay for physical therapist assistants in 2026 is $31.84, placing it slightly below the national median of $33.77. This rate opens up various opportunities for part-time work, particularly for those looking to work three days a week, which could yield a stable income alongside other commitments. The hourly wage range spans from $23.81 for entry-level positions to as much as $41.70 for seasoned professionals, showcasing potential for growth within this role. Most commonly employed in outpatient clinic gyms, skilled nursing facilities, and home health settings, physical therapist assistants can tailor their work schedules to fit their lifestyle, balancing per diem work and traditional employment effectively.
About the Tualatin Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.81 | $190.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.72 | $229.79 |
| Median (P50) | $31.84 | $254.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.19 | $281.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.70 | $333.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tualatin
Based on $31.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.84/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tualatin, OR can expect to earn approximately $66,219 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,203. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tualatin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tualatin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,273.44 | $5,518 | $66,219 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $764.06 | $3,311 | $39,731 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $509.38 | $2,207 | $26,488 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Tualatin) | $31.84 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Massage Therapist (National Avg) | $27.10 |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Tualatin, OR earn a median of $66,215 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.74% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 3.90% below the Oregon state average of $68,902.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.84/hr = $39,731/year (purchasing power: $38,725).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,219/year (purchasing power: $64,541).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Tualatin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Tualatin grew 16.3% from $26.64/hr (2019) to $30.99/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.71/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapist assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tualatin 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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist Assistant in Tualatin
There are compelling financial prospects for part-time physical therapist assistants in Tualatin. If one chooses to work 24 hours a week, their take-home pay annually would translate to an amount considerably less than their full-time counterparts, emphasizing the importance of balancing hours for financial needs. Per diem opportunities present another avenue of income, with rates typically ranging from $32 to $48 per hour. For traveling contracts, PTAs can expect to earn around $1,200 to $1,800 per week, making per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Tualatin quite appealing for those willing to embrace flexibility. However, hourly rates can fluctuate significantly based on the type of employer, such as outpatient clinics or skilled nursing facilities. With the 15% Medicare cut impacting reimbursements, many PTAs find themselves weighing the security of traditional employment—often with benefits—against the higher hourly wages in more volatile settings, like agency work. Negotiating higher pay while understanding the trade-offs can make a significant difference in total earnings, especially in a competitive market like Tualatin.
More salary data for Tualatin, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Tualatin in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Tualatin?
Are physical therapist assistants in Tualatin paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Tualatin?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Tualatin?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Oregon
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapist assistants in Tualatin. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Tualatin 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