Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Trenton, NJ: $53.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Trenton, NJ runs $53.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $110,944 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Trenton's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $51.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $66,569 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Trenton, New Jersey, physical therapists earn a median hourly rate of $53.34, which provides a notable advantage over the national median of $50.62. This elevated hourly pay is particularly beneficial for those in part-time roles, such as therapists working three days a week in outpatient clinics, hospitals, or at skilled nursing facilities. For individuals seeking flexibility, per-diem positions allow for even greater variability in earnings, depending on demand and hours worked. The hourly pay for physical therapists in the city ranges from $41.19 for those at the entry-level to an impressive $64.82 for experienced professionals, reflecting the diversity of practice settings available in Trenton, including home health visits, school therapy rooms, and sports performance centers. This data is drawn from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS information, which adds credibility to the expected pay scale in the field.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41.19 | $329.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.41 | $379.27 |
| Median (P50) | $53.34 | $426.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.76 | $486.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.82 | $518.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Trenton
Based on $53.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.34/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Trenton, NJ can expect to earn approximately $110,949 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,009. With a cost-of-living index of 103.18 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Trenton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Trenton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,133.63 | $9,246 | $110,949 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,280.18 | $5,547 | $66,569 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $853.45 | $3,698 | $44,379 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Trenton) | $53.34 |
| 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 Trenton, NJ earn a median of $110,944 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.37% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 8.50% below the New Jersey state average of $121,250.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.34/hr = $66,569/year (purchasing power: $64,518).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $110,949/year (purchasing power: $107,529).
CoL index: 103.18 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$52.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Trenton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $52.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Trenton grew 14.7% from $45.40/hr (2019) to $52.06/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.65/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 Trenton 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 Trenton
Shifting to the earning potential, a physical therapist working part-time, averaging 24 hours a week, could realistically take home around $67,000 annually. This figure contrasts significantly with full-time earnings but highlights how part-time professionals can maintain a balance between work and personal life. On the other hand, per diem physical therapists in Trenton often command rates between $50-$75 per hour. For those seeking travel assignments, contracts may offer substantial weekly earnings, ranging between $1,800 and $2,800, including stipends. Differences in hourly rates also exist among employer types; for instance, outpatient orthopedic clinics might offer lower pay than hospital rehabilitation facilities, which may compensate better but expect higher productivity. It's essential for Trenton's physical therapists to weigh the benefits of hourly wages against the availability of health benefits, as many may choose lower hourly rates in exchange for comprehensive insurance coverage. When negotiating salaries or hourly pay, professionals should emphasize their skillset and consider the growing trend toward cash-pay models that could potentially yield higher personal earnings without insurance involvement.
More salary data for Trenton, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Trenton in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Trenton?
Are physical therapists in Trenton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Trenton?
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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 Trenton. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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