Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Medford, OR: $76,579 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Medford, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,579 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Medford's local price level (BEA RPP 101.4 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $75,497 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($100,923) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Graduating as a new physical therapist in Medford, Oregon, comes with a starting pay that reflects the entry-level landscape of the profession. In 2026, the entry-level physical therapist salary in Medford is projected to be around $76,579, which is noticeably lower than the city's median annual salary of $100,923. However, newcomers can expect a growth trajectory from this starting point, with the potential to earn approximately $83,290 within the first few years. This trajectory demonstrates a promising outlook for early-career therapists as they gain experience and expertise. Given the current market conditions, Medford appears to be a viable location for new graduates looking to enter the field, especially with an expected annual growth rate of 2.46% in the coming years.
Career Earnings Timeline in Medford
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 Medford
Entry-level physical therapists in Medford, OR typically start between $76,579 and $83,290 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $56,824 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $100,923 — 4.15% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Oregon of $130,000 represents just 169.76% of the starting physical therapist pay ($76,579/year) in Medford. 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 Medford
- 1Research the Medford market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $76,579 to $83,290, 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 Medford, 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 Medford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Medford'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 Medford is $56,824 ( 74.20%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,579, experienced hygienists can earn up to $133,403.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$68,350
2025 BLS Actual
$74,740
2026 Current Est.
$76,579
2019–2027 Growth
+14.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Medford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,350 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,160 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,010 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,490 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,790 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,310 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,740 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,579 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,462 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Medford, OR grew 9.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $68,350 in 2019 to $74,740 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,462. New graduates entering the Medford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Medford 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 Medford
When it comes to securing positions, various employers in Medford actively hire new graduate physical therapists. Outpatient orthopedic chains and local hospital systems typically lead the way in these opportunities. For instance, facilities like ATI, Select Medical, and Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific often recruit recent Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) graduates, providing structured onboarding and productivity ramps. Additionally, hospital systems may offer residency programs that emphasize mentorship and can lead to board certification, elevating the overall credibility and marketability of new hires. To enhance their starting pay in Oregon, new graduates should consider pursuing credentials such as board specialization through optional residencies and APTA membership, which can confer additional professional advantages. As you navigate your first few years, staying abreast of industry shifts, especially regarding productivity expectations driven by reimbursement changes, will be crucial for maximizing salary potential and career advancement.
More salary data for Medford, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Medford in 2026?
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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 Medford. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
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