Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Klamath Falls, OR: $77,756 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Klamath Falls, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,756 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Klamath Falls's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $75,786 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($95,999) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the physical therapy field in Klamath Falls, Oregon, can expect an entry-level physical therapist salary of approximately $77,756, which sits significantly below the city’s median salary of $95,999. As early-career professionals gain experience, there is potential for growth, with salaries gradually increasing to around $83,148 at the 25th percentile. Over the first three to five years, dedicated newcomers can anticipate upward movement toward the median salary as they build their skills and becomes more effective in their roles. With a projected growth rate of 2.46% annually, Klamath Falls appears to be a reasonable market for today’s new graduates, offering a combination of opportunities to enter the workforce while also navigating the competitive landscape of physical therapy.
About the Klamath Falls Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Klamath Falls
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 Klamath Falls
Entry-level physical therapists in Klamath Falls, OR typically start between $77,756 and $83,148 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $42,773 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $95,999 — 8.82% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Oregon of $130,000 represents just 167.19% of the starting physical therapist pay ($77,756/year) in Klamath Falls. 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 Klamath Falls
- 1Research the Klamath Falls market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $77,756 to $83,148, 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 Klamath Falls, 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 Klamath Falls for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Klamath Falls'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 Klamath Falls is $42,773 ( 55.01%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,756, experienced hygienists can earn up to $120,529.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$61,113
2025 BLS Actual
$75,889
2026 Current Est.
$77,756
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Klamath Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,113 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,500 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,926 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,809 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,088 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,647 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,889 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,756 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,669 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Klamath Falls, OR grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $61,113 in 2019 to $75,889 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,669. New graduates entering the Klamath Falls job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Klamath Falls 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 Klamath Falls
In Klamath Falls, some of the primary employers hiring new grad physical therapists include outpatient orthopedic chains that often provide structured productivity ramps, such as ATI and Select Medical. These organizations tend to pay less than hospital systems but offer the potential for bonuses based on productivity, which is increasingly vital given cuts in reimbursements from CMS. Local hospitals may also participate in residency programs that lead to board certification, elevating new grads' profiles in the job market. Credentials such as a DPT from a CAPTE-accredited program, along with passing the NPTE national exam and obtaining a state PT license, are essential. For those seeking to enhance their initial salaries, pursuing board specialization (like OCS or SCS) and joining APTA can offer worthwhile advantages. Realistic expectations for salary growth in the first few years can be informed by the opportunities in both outpatient and hospital settings, allowing new physical therapists a clear path to developing their careers.
More salary data for Klamath Falls, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Klamath Falls in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Klamath Falls?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Klamath Falls?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Klamath Falls?
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 Klamath Falls. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Klamath Falls 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