Physical Therapy Technician Jobs in Oregon

Oregon PT Tech Job Market

Oregon offers exceptional opportunities for Physical Therapy Technicians, with salaries +8% vs national vs the national average and access to top rehabilitation facilities.

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Strong Demand

1,100+ PT Tech positions open annually across Oregon. Population density (highest in US) drives consistent healthcare demand.

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Premium Pay

$38,240 average salary, +8% vs national vs national. Metro Oregon pays even higher—up to $49,700 at top facilities.

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Elite Facilities

Home to OHSU - Oregon Health & Science University and other leading healthcare facilities across Oregon.

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Career Growth

Major employers offer tuition reimbursement for PT Techs pursuing PTA degrees. Clear advancement pathways available.

What Physical Therapy Technicians Do

PT Techs work under the direct supervision of licensed Physical Therapists, providing essential support for patient care and clinic operations.

✓ Daily PT Tech Responsibilities

● Patient Exercise Assistance: Guide patients through therapeutic exercises prescribed by the PT, ensuring proper form and safety
● Treatment Preparation: Set up treatment areas, prepare equipment, apply hot/cold packs, and ready modalities like ultrasound
● Patient Transfers: Assist patients with mobility, transfers between surfaces, and safe ambulation with devices
● Equipment Maintenance: Clean, sanitize, and maintain therapy equipment; report any malfunctions
● Documentation Support: Record patient attendance, exercise completion, and observations for PT review
● Patient Transport: Escort patients to and from treatment areas; assist with wheelchairs and walkers

🏥 Work Settings in Oregon

● Outpatient PT Clinics: Most common setting—Kaiser Permanente NW alone has 100+ OR locations. Regular hours, diverse patient cases.
● Inpatient Rehabilitation: OHSU - Oregon Health & Science University and hospital rehab units. Complex cases including stroke, TBI, spinal cord injuries.
● Hospital PT Departments: Acute care settings at major systems like Hackensack Meridian and Legacy Health.
● Skilled Nursing Facilities: Post-acute rehabilitation for elderly patients. Consistent schedules, growing demand.
● Sports Medicine: Athletic training facilities, sports PT clinics. Work with athletes at all levels.
● Home Health: Travel to patient homes. Higher pay, mileage reimbursement, flexible scheduling.

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PT Tech vs. Other Healthcare Roles

Physical Therapy Technicians focus specifically on PT support tasks. PT Techs do not perform clinical tasks like blood draws, EKGs, medication administration, or wound care—those are performed by nurses, PCTs, or medical assistants. PT Techs work exclusively within the physical therapy department under PT supervision.

Top PT Tech Employers in Oregon

Oregon's largest health systems and rehabilitation facilities are actively hiring PT Techs. These employers offer competitive pay, benefits, and career advancement opportunities.

OHSU - Oregon Health & Science University

Academic

Portland

State's academic medical center

503-494-8311 View Jobs →

Providence Health & Services

Oregon's Largest

Portland/Statewide

Oregon's largest system

503-215-1111 View Jobs →

Legacy Health

Regional Provider

Portland

Major Portland system

503-415-5600 View Jobs →

Kaiser Permanente NW

Growing Network

Portland

HMO with integrated care

503-813-2000 View Jobs →

Salem Health

Established Provider

Salem

Willamette Valley leader

503-561-5200 View Jobs →

Legacy Health

Rural Oregon

Rural areas

Major Portland health system

503-415-5600 View Jobs →

PT Tech Salaries Across Oregon

Salaries vary across Oregon regions. Metro Oregon typically pays highest, while Rural Oregon offers different cost-of-living dynamics.

Metro Oregon

Major metro areas

$43K-$47K

Highest wages, urban centers

Suburban Oregon

Suburban counties

$38K-$43K

Balanced cost/salary

Central Oregon

Central regions

$34K-$40K

Growing healthcare sector

Rural Oregon

Rural areas

$32K-$36K

Lower COL, community focus

Pro Tip: While Metro Oregon pays highest, Rural Oregon's lower housing costs often result in similar take-home purchasing power. Consider total compensation including benefits, commute time, and quality of life.

How to Land a PT Tech Job in Oregon

Follow these proven strategies to stand out in Oregon's competitive PT Tech job market.

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1. Get Certified

Complete PT Tech training and earn your CPR/BLS certification. AMCA certification significantly improves your competitiveness, especially at top facilities like OHSU - Oregon Health & Science University.

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2. Target Top Employers

Apply directly to major health systems. OHSU - Oregon Health & Science University, Providence Health & Services, and Legacy Health have dedicated PT department hiring. Check their career pages regularly.

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3. Network Locally

Attend OR Physical Therapy Association events. Connect with PTs during your externship. Many PT Tech positions are filled through referrals before being posted publicly.

Ready to Start Your PT Tech Career?

Complete EHired's free PT Tech training program and gain the skills Oregon employers are looking for.

Start Free Training Today

Make a one-time payment when you're ready to challenge for certification and start working

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Physical Therapy Technicians do on the job in Oregon?

PT Techs in Oregon prepare treatment areas and equipment, assist patients with therapeutic exercises under PT supervision, help with patient transfers and mobility, apply hot/cold packs, set up treatment modalities like ultrasound and electrical stimulation, transport patients, maintain equipment, and document patient progress. They work under the direct supervision of licensed Physical Therapists.

Which employers hire the most PT Techs in Oregon?

Major PT Tech employers in Oregon include OHSU - Oregon Health & Science University (#4 ranked nationally), Providence Health & Services (OR's largest system), Legacy Health, Kaiser Permanente NW (largest private PT practice in tristate), Salem Health, and Legacy Health. Hospital systems, outpatient PT clinics, and rehabilitation centers are the primary employers.

How much do PT Techs earn in Oregon?

Physical Therapy Technicians in Oregon earn an average of $38,240 per year (+8% vs national). Entry-level positions start around $27,200, experienced PT Techs earn $44,400+, and top earners at leading facilities can reach $49,700+. Metro Oregon generally pays highest in the state.

What settings do PT Techs work in?

Oregon PT Techs work in outpatient physical therapy clinics, hospital rehabilitation departments, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing facilities, sports medicine centers, home health agencies, and specialty practices like pediatric or neurological PT. Outpatient clinics are the most common setting, followed by hospital-based positions.

Do I need certification to get a PT Tech job in Oregon?

Oregon does not require state licensure for PT Techs—you work under PT supervision. However, employers strongly prefer candidates with formal training and CPR/BLS certification. AMCA certification demonstrates competency and significantly improves job prospects, especially at competitive employers like OHSU - Oregon Health & Science University and major health systems.