Eugene vs Portland: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Eugene, OR and Portland, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Eugene, OR | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,985 | $108,864▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.95 | $52.34▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,611 | $84,294▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $86,958 | $95,431▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $121,702 | $132,440▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $142,553▲ | $137,921 |
| Total Employed | 310 | 1,810▲ |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Eugene.
The salary gap between Eugene and Portland is $2,879 (2.72%). Portland's median is +3.40% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Eugene spans $62,942,Portland spans $53,627. Eugene 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, Eugene ($104,349 effective) pays 1.05% more than Portland ($103,266 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Eugene if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($142,553)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,349)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,864/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,810 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Eugene grew 17.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.4% growth in Portland over the same period.
Eugene, OR
$88,440 (2019) → $103,440 (2025)
Portland, OR
$88,260 (2019) → $106,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Eugene, OR
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Eugene or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Eugene and Portland?
Should I relocate from Eugene to Portland as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Eugene vs Portland?
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