Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Elizabeth, NJ: $58.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Elizabeth, NJ runs $58.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $122,402 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Elizabeth's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $51.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $73,436 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elizabeth, New Jersey, physical therapists earn a median hourly pay of $58.84, which is notably higher than the national median of $50.62. This competitive hourly rate reflects the demand for skilled professionals in various therapy settings, including outpatient clinics, hospital rehabilitation units, and sports performance centers. For part-time workers who typically might work three days a week, the hourly pay offers potential flexibility while still providing a solid income. With a range extending from $45.51 (entry-level) to $80.44 (experienced professionals), therapists in Elizabeth can find lucrative opportunities tailored to their career stage. The projections for 2026 show that even part-time and per-diem therapists could thrive under this model, with many working in environments like school therapy rooms or skilled nursing facilities.
About the Elizabeth 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) | $45.51 | $364.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.27 | $402.14 |
| Median (P50) | $58.84 | $470.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.23 | $569.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80.44 | $643.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elizabeth
Based on $58.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $58.84/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elizabeth, NJ can expect to earn approximately $122,393 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $70,611. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Elizabeth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elizabeth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,353.71 | $10,199 | $122,393 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,412.23 | $6,120 | $73,436 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $941.48 | $4,080 | $48,957 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Elizabeth) | $58.84 |
| 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 Elizabeth, NJ earn a median of $122,402 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.25% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 0.90% above the New Jersey state average of $121,310.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $58.84/hr = $73,436/year (purchasing power: $63,746).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $122,393/year (purchasing power: $106,244).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$49.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$58.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Elizabeth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $53.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Elizabeth grew 14.9% from $49.99/hr (2019) to $57.43/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.29/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 Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth
In terms of practical earnings, a physical therapist working part-time three days a week could reasonably make around $63,000 annually, significantly different from full-time earnings. Per diem physical therapist pay in Elizabeth can span from $50 to $75 per hour for less structured arrangements, a flexible model appreciated by those looking to balance work-life dynamics. Travel contracts may offer enticing weekly earnings between $1,800 and $2,800, demonstrating the desirability of certain positions in high-cost areas. However, working environments definitely influence pay levels; outpatient orthopedic clinics might offer lower hourly rates compared to hospital settings but could balance this with productivity bonuses. Negotiations for hourly rates in Elizabeth should consider the trade-off between higher pay without benefits versus guaranteed salaries with health insurance. Ultimately, understanding local dynamics and average rates can aid in making informed career decisions in the field of physical therapy.
More salary data for Elizabeth, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Elizabeth in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Elizabeth?
Are physical therapists in Elizabeth paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Elizabeth?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Elizabeth?
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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 Elizabeth. 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 Elizabeth 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