Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in East Orange, NJ: $59.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in East Orange, NJ runs $59.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $122,966 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against East Orange's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $51.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $73,781 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In East Orange, New Jersey, the physical therapist hourly pay is projected to reach $59.12 in 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $50.62. This competitive rate makes it an attractive option for both part-time workers (those operating three days a week in typical settings such as outpatient clinics and rehab facilities) and per-diem therapists engaging in flexible work opportunities. When examining the hourly range, those starting out can expect to earn around $44.51, while the top earners can make up to $76.26 per hour. These hourly estimates are derived from annual salary data, illustrating a strong income potential in a profession characterized by dynamic working environments.
About the East Orange 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) | $44.51 | $356.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.92 | $383.36 |
| Median (P50) | $59.12 | $472.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69.07 | $552.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76.26 | $610.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in East Orange
Based on $59.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.12/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in East Orange, NJ can expect to earn approximately $122,968 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $70,943. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in East Orange.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in East Orange
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,364.78 | $10,247 | $122,968 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,418.87 | $6,148 | $73,781 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $945.91 | $4,099 | $49,187 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (East Orange) | $59.12 |
| 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 East Orange, NJ earn a median of $122,966 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.79% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 1.40% above the New Jersey state average of $121,269.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.12/hr = $73,781/year (purchasing power: $64,046).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $122,968/year (purchasing power: $106,743).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$50.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in East Orange (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $53.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in East Orange grew 14.9% from $50.22/hr (2019) to $57.70/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.57/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 East Orange 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 East Orange
For those considering part-time physical therapy roles in East Orange, a therapist working 24 hours per week could see an impressive annual take-home compared to their full-time counterparts, benefiting from flexible scheduling and less burnout. Per diem physical therapist pay in East Orange often ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, while travel contracts can be even more lucrative, offering weekly earnings between $1,800 and $2,800, inclusive of stipends. Moreover, cash-pay options for specialists in high cost-of-living areas can bill directly at rates between $150 and $250 per hour. However, salary variations can depend on the employer type, including outpatient orthopedic clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies. Physical therapists must weigh the benefits of hourly pay without insurance against potentially lower rates with comprehensive health benefits. Negotiating effectively is paramount, especially in a competitive market like East Orange, where understanding regional pay scales can significantly impact overall earnings.
More salary data for East Orange, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in East Orange in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in East Orange?
Are physical therapists in East Orange paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in East Orange?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in East Orange?
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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 East Orange. 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 East Orange 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