Medford vs Salem: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Medford, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Medford, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,923 | $102,429▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.51 | $49.24▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,579 | $81,958▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,290 | $85,523▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $125,954 | $127,143▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,403 | $133,526▲ |
| Total Employed | 160 | 320▲ |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Medford.
The salary gap between Medford and Salem is $1,506 (1.49%). Salem's median is -2.72% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Medford spans $56,824,Salem spans $51,568. Medford 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, Medford ($99,497 effective) pays 0.68% 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 Medford if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,497)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,429/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($133,526)
- ✓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 Medford grew 12.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.8% growth in Salem over the same period.
Medford, OR
$87,230 (2019) → $98,500 (2025)
Salem, OR
$79,460 (2019) → $99,970 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Medford, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Medford or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Medford and Salem?
Should I relocate from Medford to Salem as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Medford 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