Hillsboro vs Salem: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Hillsboro, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hillsboro, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,341▲ | $102,429 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.53▲ | $49.24 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,838 | $81,958▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $91,615▲ | $85,523 |
| 75th Percentile | $131,294▲ | $127,143 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $145,910▲ | $133,526 |
| Total Employed | 22 | 320▲ |
Verdict
Hillsboro, OR offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Hillsboro and Salem is $8,912 (8.70%). Hillsboro's median is +5.75% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hillsboro spans $64,072,Salem spans $51,568. Hillsboro 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, Hillsboro ($108,519 effective) pays 9.81% more than Salem ($98,823 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hillsboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($111,341/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($145,910)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,519)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Larger job market (320 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Hillsboro grew 4.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.8% growth in Salem over the same period.
Hillsboro, OR
$103,865 (2024) → $108,668 (2025)
Salem, OR
$79,460 (2019) → $99,970 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hillsboro, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Hillsboro or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hillsboro and Salem?
Should I relocate from Hillsboro to Salem as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Hillsboro vs Salem?
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