Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Linden, NJ: $57.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Linden, NJ runs $57.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $118,750 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Linden's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $71,249 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Linden, New Jersey, physical therapists earn a median hourly rate of $57.09, exceeding the national median of $50.62. For those considering part-time or per-diem work—common paths in settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, or home health care—this hourly rate can offer a significant source of income. The hourly pay ranges considerably, from $42.92 for entry-level positions to $71.68 for seasoned professionals, providing flexible options for therapists who may prefer to work three days a week or take on per-diem assignments. These estimates, derived from annual salary data, highlight the diverse opportunities available for physical therapists in Linden.
About the Linden 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) | $42.92 | $343.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.23 | $377.87 |
| Median (P50) | $57.09 | $456.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66.01 | $528.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71.68 | $573.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Linden
Based on $57.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $57.09/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Linden, NJ can expect to earn approximately $118,749 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $68,509. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Linden.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Linden
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,283.63 | $9,896 | $118,749 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,370.18 | $5,937 | $71,249 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $913.45 | $3,958 | $47,499 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Linden) | $57.09 |
| 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 Linden, NJ earn a median of $118,750 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.79% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 2.10% below the New Jersey state average of $121,297.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $57.09/hr = $71,249/year (purchasing power: $61,848).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $118,749/year (purchasing power: $103,080).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$48.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$57.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Linden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Linden grew 14.9% from $48.50/hr (2019) to $55.72/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $58.50/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 Linden 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 Linden
Part-time physical therapists working 24 hours per week can expect to earn approximately $71,959 annually, which can be quite substantial compared to full-time peers. The per diem model, with physical therapists billing between $50 and $75 per hour, presents a different earning potential, especially with travel contracts that can offer weekly wages from $1,800 to $2,800. Compensation can vary significantly by employer type in Linden; outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer lower hourly rates compared to hospitals, while specialized cash-pay practices could charge upwards of $250 for direct services. Many therapists face decisions about accepting lower hourly pay for benefits like health insurance versus seeking higher hourly rates without those perks. When negotiating pay, it's helpful for local therapists to prioritize clarity about their productivity models and responsiveness to reimbursement trends in the industry, especially given the competitive environment shaped by major chains.
More salary data for Linden, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Linden in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Linden?
Are physical therapists in Linden paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Linden?
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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 Linden. 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 Linden 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