Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Coos Bay, OR: $75,979 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Coos Bay, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,979 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Coos Bay's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $74,054 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($98,578) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the physical therapy field in Coos Bay can expect a starting salary of around $75,979 in 2026. While this is below the median annual salary of $98,578 for all physical therapists in the area, it offers a reasonable starting point for many new grads. Expecting progression to approximately $86,368 within the first few years of practice is realistic, leading to further salary increases as they gain experience. The projected annual growth rate of 2.46% suggests new therapists can anticipate better earnings as they establish their careers. Overall, Coos Bay presents a viable market for entry-level physical therapists, particularly given its demand for rehabilitation services in a region that values healthcare access.
About the Coos Bay Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Coos Bay
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 Coos Bay
Entry-level physical therapists in Coos Bay, OR typically start between $75,979 and $86,368 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $49,538 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $98,578 — 6.37% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Oregon of $130,000 represents just 171.10% of the starting physical therapist pay ($75,979/year) in Coos Bay. 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 Coos Bay
- 1Research the Coos Bay market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $75,979 to $86,368, 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 Coos Bay, 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 Coos Bay for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Coos Bay'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 Coos Bay is $49,538 ( 65.20%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,979, experienced hygienists can earn up to $125,517.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,716
2025 BLS Actual
$74,155
2026 Current Est.
$75,979
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Coos Bay (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,716 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,072 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,534 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,282 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,464 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,895 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,155 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,979 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,848 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Coos Bay, OR grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,716 in 2019 to $74,155 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,848. New graduates entering the Coos Bay job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Coos Bay 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 Coos Bay
For new graduates seeking employment, outpatient orthopedic chains, such as ATI and Select Medical, remain the primary employers in Coos Bay, often providing structured productivity models that are beneficial for early career growth. Alternatively, the local hospital systems may present residency opportunities that lead to board certification, which can boost professional credentials. Skilled nursing facilities also tend to offer higher initial pay, targeting those with up-to-date qualifications. Aspiring physical therapists should focus on obtaining their Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from CAPTE-accredited programs and pass the NPTE exam to secure their state PT license. Engaging in continuing education, such as specialty board certifications, can further enhance starting pay potential in the state. As the industry adjusts to reimbursement trends and productivity demands, early-career physical therapists in Coos Bay should remain adaptable while aiming for steady salary growth during their initial years in practice.
More salary data for Coos Bay, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Coos Bay in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Coos Bay?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Coos Bay?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Coos Bay?
How do I become a physical therapist in Oregon?
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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 Coos Bay. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Coos Bay is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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