Physical Therapist Pay

Perth Amboy vs Trenton: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist salaries between Perth Amboy, NJ and Trenton, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Perth Amboy, NJ
$118,806
$57.12/hr
Trenton, NJ
$110,944
$53.34/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPerth Amboy, NJTrenton, NJ
Median Salary$118,806$110,944
Hourly Rate$57.12$53.34
Entry Level (P10)$92,356$85,677
25th Percentile$101,102$98,618
75th Percentile$140,998$126,364
Top Earner (P90)$156,899$134,817
Total Employed13360
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Perth Amboy ($118,806) and Trenton ($110,944) physical therapist salaries.Perth AmboyTrentonMedian Salary$118,806$110,944Entry Level (P10)$92,356$85,677Top Earner (P90)$156,899$134,817US Median $105,288

Verdict

Perth Amboy, NJ offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Trenton.

The salary gap between Perth Amboy and Trenton is $7,862 (7.09%). Perth Amboy's median is +12.84% compared to the US national median of $105,288.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Perth Amboy spans $64,543,Trenton spans $49,140. Perth Amboy has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Perth Amboy
P10 (Entry)$92,356
P25$101,102
Median$118,806
P75$140,998
P90 (Top)$156,899
Trenton
P10 (Entry)$85,677
P25$98,618
Median$110,944
P75$126,364
P90 (Top)$134,817

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Trenton ($107,525 effective) pays 4.26% more than Perth Amboy ($103,130 effective).

Perth Amboy
Nominal: $118,806
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $103,130
Trenton
Nominal: $110,944
CoL Index: 103.18
Adjusted: $107,525

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Perth Amboy if…

  • Higher median salary ($118,806/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($156,899)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Trenton if…

  • Larger job market (360 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,525)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Perth Amboy grew -4.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.7% growth in Trenton over the same period.

Perth Amboy, NJ

+-4.9%

$121,866 (2024) → $115,954 (2025)

Trenton, NJ

+14.7%

$94,440 (2019) → $108,280 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Perth Amboy or Trenton?

Perth Amboy has a higher median physical therapist salary at $118,806/year, compared to Trenton at $110,944/year — a difference of $7,862 (7.09%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Perth Amboy and Trenton?

Perth Amboy physical therapists earn $57.12/hr while Trenton hygienists earn $53.34/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Perth Amboy to Trenton as a physical therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Perth Amboy and Trenton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Perth Amboy = $103,130, Trenton = $107,525), job availability (13 vs 360 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Perth Amboy vs Trenton?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $92,356 in Perth Amboy and $85,677 in Trenton. The Perth Amboy area offers higher starting salaries.
AM

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.

Clinically reviewed by Jordan Lee, DPTData verified by Maria Garcia, DPT

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