Atlantic City vs Lakewood: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Atlantic City, NJ and Lakewood, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlantic City, NJ | Lakewood, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,925 | $120,344▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.97 | $57.86▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,030 | $90,389▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $102,101▲ | $100,395 |
| 75th Percentile | $110,985 | $145,877▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $123,649 | $164,858▲ |
| Total Employed | 290▲ | 31 |
Verdict
Lakewood, NJ offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Atlantic City.
The salary gap between Atlantic City and Lakewood is $16,419 (15.80%). Lakewood's median is +14.30% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlantic City spans $36,619,Lakewood spans $74,469. Lakewood has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Atlantic City ($105,127 effective) pays 0.63% more than Lakewood ($104,465 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Atlantic City if…
- ✓Larger job market (290 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,127)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Lakewood if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($120,344/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($164,858)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Atlantic City grew 7.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -4.9% growth in Lakewood over the same period.
Atlantic City, NJ
$93,980 (2019) → $101,430 (2025)
Lakewood, NJ
$123,444 (2024) → $117,455 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlantic City, NJ
Lakewood, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Atlantic City or Lakewood?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlantic City and Lakewood?
Should I relocate from Atlantic City to Lakewood as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Atlantic City vs Lakewood?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov