Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Coos Bay, OR: $82,642 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Coos Bay, OR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $82,642/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Coos Bay's price premium (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $80,548 in average-cost America. The 27% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Coos Bay, OR, seasoned physical therapist assistants have the potential to achieve impressive salary levels, with the 2026 upper range hitting $82,642, making it clear that advanced experience yields significant rewards. The gap between the median salary of $65,199 and top-tier earners highlights the experience premium, showcasing what can be accomplished with dedication and specialization in this field. Reaching the highest salary brackets often involves pursuing advanced certifications, specializing in high-demand areas, or taking on leadership roles within establishments. Those aiming for the top physical therapist assistant salary in Coos Bay need to excel in both skill and knowledge, positioning themselves to negotiate better pay and benefits in this competitive market.
About the Coos Bay Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Coos Bay
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Coos Bay earn between $74,509 and $82,642 per year (2026 est.). This $36,023 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Coos Bay median of $65,199 sits 7.19% below the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Coos Bay | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $65,199 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,509 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $82,642 | $91,954 |
In Coos Bay, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 26.75% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Coos Bay
Advanced Certifications in Oregon
OR physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $65,199 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Coos Bay employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Coos Bay command premium compensation, often reaching the $74,509–$82,642 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Coos Bay metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced physical therapist assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured physical therapist assistants in Coos Bay with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Physical Therapist Assistants in Oregon who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Physical Therapist Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Coos Bay
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCoos Bay ranks #26 of 36 Oregon cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $82,642).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Coos Bay ($82,642) is 7.19% below the Oregon average P90 ($89,048).
2019 BLS Actual
$72,654
2025 BLS Actual
$80,446
2026 Current Est.
$82,642
2019–2027 Growth
+16.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Coos Bay (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,654 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,119 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,052 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,599 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,835 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,946 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,446 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,642 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,898 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Coos Bay saw their compensation grow 10.7% from $72,654 in 2019 to $80,446 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.73% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $84,898 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Coos Bay 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.
Maximizing Your Physical Therapist Assistant Earnings in Coos Bay
Specializations play an essential role in determining salaries for senior physical therapist assistants in Coos Bay, especially in areas such as orthopedics, geriatrics, pediatric therapy, sports medicine, and home health. The compensation landscape varies significantly based on the type of employer; outpatient orthopedic clinics tend to offer higher salaries compared to skilled nursing facilities or home health agencies, where cuts to Medicare will impact overall pay. For those looking to advance their careers, pathways such as becoming a lead PTA, clinic operations supervisor, or even transitioning to faculty roles in PTA programs present valuable options. Gaining advanced credentials is also vital, as having an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passing the NPTAE, and obtaining state licensure can significantly enhance one’s earning potential. Additionally, non-salary factors such as work setting, productivity expectations, and leadership responsibilities become crucial at this stage, further driving compensation and job satisfaction in a shifting healthcare environment, particularly after the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut.
More salary data for Coos Bay, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Coos Bay in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Coos Bay?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Coos Bay?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Coos Bay?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Coos Bay?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $80,446 for physical therapist assistants in the Coos Bay metro area. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Coos Bay 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