Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Bridgewater, NJ: $57.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Bridgewater, NJ runs $57.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $119,447 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Bridgewater's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $71,671 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For physical therapists in Bridgewater, New Jersey, the median hourly pay is projected to be $57.43 in 2026, a figure that significantly surpasses the national hourly median of $50.62. This elevated rate has substantial implications for professionals working in various settings, such as outpatient clinics, rehabilitation facilities, and even home health care. Part-time therapists, often working three days a week, can expect to earn a respectable hourly rate that allows for a viable income while maintaining a flexible schedule. Moreover, entry-level PTs may see hourly rates starting at $43.49, while top earners can command rates as high as $70.87. The hourly pay is derived from estimated annual salaries, indicating that these rates are reflective of the broader compensation structure within the profession.
About the Bridgewater Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43.49 | $347.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.93 | $383.45 |
| Median (P50) | $57.43 | $459.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65.48 | $523.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70.87 | $566.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bridgewater
Based on $57.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $57.43/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bridgewater, NJ can expect to earn approximately $119,452 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $68,915. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bridgewater.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bridgewater
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,297.15 | $9,954 | $119,452 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,378.29 | $5,973 | $71,671 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $918.86 | $3,982 | $47,781 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Bridgewater) | $57.43 |
| 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 Bridgewater, NJ earn a median of $119,447 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.45% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 1.50% below the New Jersey state average of $121,266.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $57.43/hr = $71,671/year (purchasing power: $62,215).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $119,452/year (purchasing power: $103,691).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$48.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$56.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$57.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Bridgewater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $56.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Bridgewater grew 14.9% from $48.78/hr (2019) to $56.05/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $58.84/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 Bridgewater 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 Bridgewater
For those considering part-time or per-diem roles, the financial landscape can be notably favorable. A physical therapist working 24 hours a week could expect their annual earnings to be significant, albeit lower than a full-timer. Per diem physical therapists in Bridgewater typically charge between $50 and $75 per hour, while specialized cash-pay services can attract rates as high as $150 to $250 per hour, depending on the setting and clientele. Additionally, while outpatient firms often offer competitive rates, those working in hospital settings may benefit from comprehensive health insurance packages, which can justify accepting slightly lower hourly pay. When negotiating hourly wages, it's crucial for PTs to consider not just the rate but also the total benefits being offered, as this can heavily influence long-term job satisfaction and financial stability.
More salary data for Bridgewater, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Bridgewater in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Bridgewater?
Are physical therapists in Bridgewater paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Bridgewater?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Bridgewater?
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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 Bridgewater. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bridgewater is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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