Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Albany, OR: $90,370 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Albany, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $90,370 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Albany's local price level (BEA RPP 102.1 — 2% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $88,511 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($111,395) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Albany, Oregon, the starting salary for a newly graduated physical therapist is projected at $90,370 in 2026. This figure represents a significant gap when compared to the city’s median annual earnings of $111,395. However, entry-level practitioners can expect their compensation to rise as they gain experience, with realistic salaries reaching $105,677 at the 25th percentile and potentially hitting the median within the first few years of their careers. Given the growing demand for physical therapists—bolstered by an annual growth rate of 2.46%—Albany currently presents a favorable job market for new grads entering the field. The appealing salary range for starting physical therapists in this area can provide a solid foundation for financial stability right out of school.
Career Earnings Timeline in Albany
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Albany
Entry-level physical therapists in Albany, OR typically start between $90,370 and $105,677 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $40,082 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $111,395 — 5.8% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Oregon of $130,000 represents just 143.85% of the starting physical therapist pay ($90,370/year) in Albany. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. Tuition varies substantially between public in-state DPT programs and private institutions; most programs require a prerequisite bachelor's degree.
PT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Albany
- 1Research the Albany market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $90,370 to $105,677, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in OR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Albany, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Albany for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Albany's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Compensation Range
The physical therapist wage spread in Albany is $40,082 ( 44.35%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $90,370, experienced hygienists can earn up to $130,452.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$67,080
2025 BLS Actual
$88,200
2026 Current Est.
$90,370
2019–2027 Growth
+38.0%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Albany (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,080 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,639 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,060 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,790 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,260 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,370 | Actual |
| 2025 | $88,200 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90,370 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,593 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Albany, OR grew 31.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $67,080 in 2019 to $88,200 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $92,593. New graduates entering the Albany job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Albany 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 2.46% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Albany
Employers in Albany that actively seek to hire entry-level physical therapists include outpatient orthopedic chains, which typically offer structured productivity ramps that can enhance new grad physical therapist pay in Oregon. These settings may provide a more competitive starting salary, particularly if the facility is part of larger healthcare systems or offers residency programs that lead to board certification. On the other hand, skilled nursing facilities like Genesis and RehabCare may feature even higher starting pay options. Graduates should focus on obtaining their Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTE national exam, and securing their state PT license. Engaging in a residency program or gaining board specialization through entities like APTA can also help boost one’s earning potential. For those navigating their first few years in this profession, realistic salary growth anticipations hinge on how well new practitioners adapt to the productivity models prevalent in the industry, including the influence of reimbursement changes that put pressure on productivity expectations.
More salary data for Albany, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Albany in 2026?
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Is physical therapy school worth it in Albany?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Albany?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Albany. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.46%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapists (SOC 29-1123).
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov