Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Portland, OR: $52.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Portland, OR runs $52.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $108,864 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Portland's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.4, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,316 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in Portland, Oregon, earn a median hourly rate of $52.34, which surpasses the national median of $50.62. This competitive pay makes it an attractive option for both part-time and per-diem physical therapists, especially those working in various settings such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health environments. The hourly wage range is substantial, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $40.52 and top earners reaching about $66.31. These figures, sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), reflect the opportunities available in a city known for its growing healthcare sector and active lifestyle.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.52 | $324.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.88 | $367.05 |
| Median (P50) | $52.34 | $418.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63.68 | $509.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.31 | $530.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Portland
Based on $52.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.34/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Portland, OR can expect to earn approximately $108,860 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,804. With a cost-of-living index of 105.42 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Portland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Portland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,093.46 | $9,072 | $108,860 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,256.08 | $5,443 | $65,316 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $837.39 | $3,629 | $43,544 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Portland) | $52.34 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Chiropractor (National Avg) | $36.85 |
| Exercise Physiologist (National Avg) | $26.75 |
Physical Therapists in Portland, OR earn a median of $108,864 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.40% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 4.50% above the Oregon state average of $104,176.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.34/hr = $65,316/year (purchasing power: $61,957).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $108,860/year (purchasing power: $103,262).
CoL index: 105.421 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$42.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Portland grew 20.4% from $42.44/hr (2019) to $51.08/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.62/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Portland 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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist in Portland
For a part-time physical therapist working three days a week, earning at this hourly rate can translate into a solid income when evaluated annually, even if not as high as full-time earnings. In terms of per diem roles, many professionals in this field find themselves billing between $50 and $75 per hour. Travel physical therapists can see weekly contracts ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, inclusive of stipends. Hourly rates also differ based on the employer type; private outpatient orthopedic clinics might offer lower rates compared to specialized settings like pediatric or sports medicine clinics. Given the healthcare market's dynamics, some therapists may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, prioritizing their financial and personal needs. When negotiating compensation, being informed about prevailing rates can empower therapists to ensure they receive fair per diem physical therapist pay in Portland.
More salary data for Portland, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Portland in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Portland?
Are physical therapists in Portland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Portland?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Portland?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapists in Portland. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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