Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Jersey City, NJ: $53.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Jersey City, NJ runs $53.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $112,191 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Jersey City's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $67,311 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Jersey City, the projected physical therapist hourly pay stands at $53.93, which exceeds the national median hourly rate of $50.62. This competitive rate is of particular significance for part-time and per-diem physical therapists who tend to work in various settings, including outpatient clinics, hospital rehab units, and home health visits. Those engaged in part-time work, such as a 24-hour weekly schedule, will find that this hourly compensation can lead to a stable income while allowing for a flexible work-life balance. The hourly pay range in Jersey City spans from $37.89 for entry-level positions to $72.28 for seasoned professionals, representing the breadth of opportunities available in a city known for its high cost of living index of 115.2.
About the Jersey City 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) | $37.89 | $303.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.39 | $347.13 |
| Median (P50) | $53.93 | $431.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.12 | $512.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72.28 | $578.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jersey City
Based on $53.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.93/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jersey City, NJ can expect to earn approximately $112,185 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,722. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Jersey City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jersey City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,157.40 | $9,349 | $112,185 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,294.44 | $5,609 | $67,311 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $862.96 | $3,739 | $44,874 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Jersey City) | $53.93 |
| 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 Jersey City, NJ earn a median of $112,191 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.56% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 7.50% below the New Jersey state average of $121,287.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.93/hr = $67,311/year (purchasing power: $58,430).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $112,185/year (purchasing power: $97,383).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$52.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Jersey City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $52.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Jersey City grew 14.9% from $45.82/hr (2019) to $52.64/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $55.26/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 Jersey 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 Jersey City
Evaluating the earning potential for physical therapists reveals intriguing dynamics, especially for those working part-time and opting for per-diem positions. A therapist working three days a week could take home approximately $42,165 annually, a significant difference when contrasted with full-time earnings. Per diem physical therapist pay in Jersey City typically ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, while travel contracts can yield weekly earnings between $1,800 and $2,800, not including stipends. The choice of employer also plays a critical role, as outpatient orthopedic clinics often offer lower hourly rates compared to hospitals, yet may provide productivity bonuses that can enhance overall earnings. Therapists must weigh the benefits of health insurance and job security against potentially higher pay without benefits in more flexible roles. For those negotiating hourly contracts, emphasizing experience and unique skill sets is essential to achieving a favorable rate in Jersey City's competitive job market.
More salary data for Jersey City, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Jersey City in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Jersey City?
Are physical therapists in Jersey City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Jersey City?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Jersey City?
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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 Jersey 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
Salary data for Jersey City 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