Bend vs Forest Grove: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Bend, OR and Forest Grove, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bend, OR | Forest Grove, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,255▲ | $101,740 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.16▲ | $48.91 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,620 | $76,017▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $85,482▲ | $83,832 |
| 75th Percentile | $127,245▲ | $117,158 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $132,757▲ | $127,440 |
| Total Employed | 320▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Bend, OR offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Forest Grove.
The salary gap between Bend and Forest Grove is $515 (0.51%). Bend's median is -2.88% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bend spans $61,137,Forest Grove spans $51,423. Bend 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, Forest Grove ($99,162 effective) pays 0.47% more than Bend ($98,695 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bend if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,255/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($132,757)
- ✓Larger job market (320 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Forest Grove if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,162)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Bend grew 25.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.2% growth in Forest Grove over the same period.
Bend, OR
$79,710 (2019) → $99,800 (2025)
Forest Grove, OR
$98,167 (2024) → $99,297 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Forest Grove, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Bend or Forest Grove?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bend and Forest Grove?
Should I relocate from Bend to Forest Grove as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Bend vs Forest Grove?
Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% 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 Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov