Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Atlantic City, NJ: $49.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Atlantic City, NJ runs $49.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $103,925 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Atlantic City's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.9, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,362 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Atlantic City, New Jersey, the physical therapist hourly pay stands at $49.97, slightly below the national median of $50.62. This rate provides an appealing opportunity for both part-time and per-diem physical therapists working in various environments such as outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, and home health settings. The hourly range for physical therapists in this area spans from $41.84 at the entry-level to $59.45 for top earners. Such earnings allow those in the profession to maintain a flexible work schedule, making it easier for therapists to balance their professional and personal lives while also ensuring they are compensated adequately for their skills. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, underscoring the importance of market awareness when considering employment options.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41.84 | $334.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.09 | $392.71 |
| Median (P50) | $49.97 | $399.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.36 | $426.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.45 | $475.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Atlantic City
Based on $49.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.97/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Atlantic City, NJ can expect to earn approximately $103,937 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,964. With a cost-of-living index of 98.86 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Atlantic City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Atlantic City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,998.79 | $8,661 | $103,937 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,199.27 | $5,197 | $62,362 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $799.52 | $3,465 | $41,575 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Atlantic City) | $49.97 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Chiropractor (National Avg) | $36.85 |
| Exercise Physiologist (National Avg) | $26.75 |
Physical Therapists in Atlantic City, NJ earn a median of $103,925 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.29% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 14.30% below the New Jersey state average of $121,266.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.97/hr = $62,362/year (purchasing power: $63,083).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $103,937/year (purchasing power: $105,139).
CoL index: 98.857 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$45.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+13.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Atlantic City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Atlantic City grew 7.9% from $45.18/hr (2019) to $48.77/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.20/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Atlantic City 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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist in Atlantic City
Compared to full-time positions, part-time physical therapists working three days a week can generate significant annual earnings, depending on the hours worked. For those choosing per-diem, agency, or locum opportunities, rates often range from $50 to $75 per hour, while travel contracts can yield between $1,800 and $2,800 a week, inclusive of stipends. The variation in physical therapist hourly rates reflects the type of employer; for instance, outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer lower wages due to tighter margins, while hospitals might provide better benefits, justifying the trade-off between hourly pay and health insurance. This financial landscape creates an avenue for negotiation; therapists should consider factors such as benefits, work-life balance, and job security when discussing offers. Understanding the local job market in Atlantic City, including the dynamics of insurance versus cash-pay practices, is crucial for current DPT students and practitioners aiming to maximize their earning potential in NJ's evolving healthcare environment.
More salary data for Atlantic City, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Atlantic City in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Atlantic City?
Are physical therapists in Atlantic City paid hourly or salary?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapists in Atlantic City. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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