Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Woodburn, OR: $77,857 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Woodburn, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,857 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Woodburn's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $75,884 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($102,500) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For recent graduates entering the physical therapy field in Woodburn, Oregon, the starting salaries can be quite promising. The expected entry-level compensation is approximately $77,857 in 2026, which is set against a city median salary of $102,500. This presents a gap that new grads should realistically anticipate as they embark on their careers. Over the first few years, a new physical therapist can expect to see salary growth, potentially reaching around $85,397, and possibly approaching the median as they gain experience and build their caseload. Given the gradual increase from entry-level to mid-career pay, Woodburn represents a moderately favorable market for those just beginning their journey in physical therapy.
About the Woodburn Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Woodburn
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 Woodburn
Entry-level physical therapists in Woodburn, OR typically start between $77,857 and $85,397 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $51,775 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $102,500 — 2.65% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Oregon of $130,000 represents just 166.97% of the starting physical therapist pay ($77,857/year) in Woodburn. 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 Woodburn
- 1Research the Woodburn market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $77,857 to $85,397, 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 Woodburn, 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 Woodburn for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Woodburn'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 Woodburn is $51,775 ( 66.50%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,857, experienced hygienists can earn up to $129,632.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$61,192
2025 BLS Actual
$75,988
2026 Current Est.
$77,857
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Woodburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,192 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,581 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,005 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,896 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,181 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,696 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,988 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,857 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,773 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Woodburn, OR grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $61,192 in 2019 to $75,988 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,773. New graduates entering the Woodburn job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Woodburn 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 Woodburn
When considering employment opportunities in Woodburn, numerous employers are ready to welcome new graduates into their ranks. Outpatient orthopedic chains often recruit entry-level physical therapists, providing structured productivity ramps that help bridge early career gaps. Additionally, hospital systems may offer residency programs especially appealing for those seeking board certification. Skilled nursing facilities, such as Genesis and RehabCare, typically offer higher starting pay, providing another avenue for new professionals. Gaining relevant credentials is crucial: obtaining a DPT from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTE national exam, and securing a state PT license are vital steps. Continuing education towards board specialization (such as OCS or SCS) and maintaining membership with the APTA can also enhance starting pay potential. Early-career professionals should have realistic expectations of their salary growth during years one to three, particularly in this evolving landscape shaped by factors like reimbursement changes and the consolidation of clinics.
More salary data for Woodburn, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Woodburn. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Woodburn 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