Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Passaic, NJ: $57.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Passaic, NJ runs $57.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $118,720 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Passaic's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $71,236 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Passaic, New Jersey, the physical therapist hourly pay is projected to be $57.08 in 2026, which exceeds the national hourly median of $50.62 by a substantial margin. This competitive hourly wage is advantageous for both part-time and per-diem physical therapists, who can work in diverse environments such as outpatient clinics, hospital rehab units, and even home health settings. For those engaging part-time at three days a week, this median rate provides a solid income opportunity while allowing for a balanced work-life schedule. The hourly pay range, extending from approximately $44.30 to $77.38, reflects a clear progression from entry-level positions to those held by highly experienced professionals, offering promising earnings potential for therapists at every stage of their careers in this vibrant New Jersey city.
About the Passaic 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) | $44.30 | $354.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.53 | $388.20 |
| Median (P50) | $57.08 | $456.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.94 | $551.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77.38 | $619.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Passaic
Based on $57.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $57.08/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Passaic, NJ can expect to earn approximately $118,727 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $68,497. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Passaic.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Passaic
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,283.22 | $9,894 | $118,727 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,369.93 | $5,936 | $71,236 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $913.29 | $3,958 | $47,491 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Passaic) | $57.08 |
| 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 Passaic, NJ earn a median of $118,720 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.76% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 2.10% below the New Jersey state average of $121,267.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $57.08/hr = $71,236/year (purchasing power: $61,837).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $118,727/year (purchasing power: $103,062).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$48.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$57.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Passaic (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Passaic grew 14.9% from $48.49/hr (2019) to $55.71/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $58.48/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 Passaic 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 Passaic
Beyond the immediate benefits of hourly compensation, there are critical distinctions in earning potential for part-time and per-diem physical therapists in Passaic. When working 24 hours a week, a part-time therapist could expect to take home around $58,000 annually, allowing for a reasonable income while preserving flexibility. Conversely, per-diem physical therapists often bill between $50 and $75 per hour, with more lucrative travel contracts bringing in weekly earnings that can reach upwards of $2,800 — a significant increase when compared to traditional employment settings. While outpatient clinics may offer steady hours, positions in skilled nursing facilities or home health can lead to varying wages. Factors like benefits packages and job stability often influence the trade-offs therapists face when choosing between different employment types. Ultimately, effective negotiation skills will serve practitioners well, as prospective hires should consider the full compensation package, including benefits, when evaluating their worth in this dynamic job market.
More salary data for Passaic, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Passaic in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Passaic?
Are physical therapists in Passaic paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Passaic?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Passaic?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Jersey
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 Passaic. 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 Passaic 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