Physical Therapist Pay

Trenton vs Westfield: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

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

Trenton, NJ
$110,944
$53.34/hr
Westfield, NJ
$118,015
$56.74/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricTrenton, NJWestfield, NJ
Median Salary$110,944$118,015
Hourly Rate$53.34$56.74
Entry Level (P10)$85,677$87,010
25th Percentile$98,618$103,937
75th Percentile$126,364$135,420
Top Earner (P90)$134,817$147,039
Total Employed3607
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Trenton ($110,944) and Westfield ($118,015) physical therapist salaries.TrentonWestfieldMedian Salary$110,944$118,015Entry Level (P10)$85,677$87,010Top Earner (P90)$134,817$147,039US Median $105,288

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Trenton and Westfield is $7,071 (6.37%). Westfield's median is +12.09% compared to the US national median of $105,288.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Trenton spans $49,140,Westfield spans $60,029. Westfield has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.

Trenton
P10 (Entry)$85,677
P25$98,618
Median$110,944
P75$126,364
P90 (Top)$134,817
Westfield
P10 (Entry)$87,010
P25$103,937
Median$118,015
P75$135,420
P90 (Top)$147,039

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Trenton ($107,525 effective) pays 4.96% more than Westfield ($102,444 effective).

Trenton
Nominal: $110,944
CoL Index: 103.18
Adjusted: $107,525
Westfield
Nominal: $118,015
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $102,444

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Trenton if…

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

Choose Westfield if…

  • Higher median salary ($118,015/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($147,039)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Trenton grew 14.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -4.9% growth in Westfield over the same period.

Trenton, NJ

+14.7%

$94,440 (2019) → $108,280 (2025)

Westfield, NJ

+-4.9%

$121,055 (2024) → $115,182 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Trenton or Westfield?

Westfield has a higher median physical therapist salary at $118,015/year, compared to Trenton at $110,944/year — a difference of $7,071 (6.37%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Trenton and Westfield?

Trenton physical therapists earn $53.34/hr while Westfield hygienists earn $56.74/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Trenton to Westfield as a physical therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Trenton and Westfield. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Trenton = $107,525, Westfield = $102,444), job availability (360 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $85,677 in Trenton and $87,010 in Westfield. The Westfield 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