Physical Therapist Salary in Berkeley, NJ: $118,825 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Berkeley, NJ earns a median $118,825/year (≈ $57.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Berkeley's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $103,147 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Berkeley, NJ, physical therapists are experiencing a competitive job market with a median annual salary projected at $118,825 for 2026. This figure is notably higher than the national median of $105,288, highlighting a growing demand for skilled professionals in the area. The salary range for physical therapists spans from $88,956 at the 10th percentile to $156,954 at the 90th percentile, reflecting diverse employment settings. Factors influencing compensation include whether therapists work in outpatient orthopedic clinics, hospitals, or skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), with outpatient roles typically offering lower base pay but the potential for higher bonuses tied to productivity metrics. With salary estimates derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for local cost of living considerations, physical therapy remains a viable and lucrative career choice in Berkeley.
About the Berkeley Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,956 | $42.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $98,408 | $47.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $118,825 | $57.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $134,754 | $64.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $156,954 | $75.46 |
Median Salary Position
12.86% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Berkeley
In Berkeley, NJ, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $67,998 (2026 est.). At $118,825, the local median is 12.86% above the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Berkeley: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Berkeley Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Berkeley median: $118,825/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Berkeley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $121,250 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | +12.86% more |
Physical Therapists in Berkeley, NJ earn a median of $118,825 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.86% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 2.00% below the New Jersey state average of $121,250.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Berkeley has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Berkeley, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $118,825 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $103,147 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$100,939
2025 BLS Actual
$115,972
2026 Current Est.
$118,825
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Berkeley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $100,939 | Actual |
| 2020 | $102,711 | Actual |
| 2021 | $107,914 | Actual |
| 2022 | $110,284 | Actual |
| 2023 | $112,530 | Actual |
| 2024 | $121,886 | Actual |
| 2025 | $115,972 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $118,825 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $121,748 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Berkeley metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $100,939 (2019) to $115,972 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $121,748 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,809 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Berkeley 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $88,956 – $98,408 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $98,408 – $118,825 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $118,825 – $134,754 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $134,754 – $156,954 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Berkeley
Given that only seven physical therapists are employed in the area, local competition is comparatively low, which could help sustain higher salaries. The cost of living in Berkeley, with an index of 115.2, suggests that while salaries are increased, living expenses are similarly elevated, impacting overall purchasing power. To maximize physical therapist pay in Berkeley, individuals might find the highest compensation in hospital inpatient rehabilitation or specialized clinics, where board certification (such as OCS or SCS) can also command salary supplements. Conversely, outpatient clinics might impose stricter productivity expectations that could cap earnings for some. Adjusting to a cash-pay model, where feasible, could help therapists avoid the pitfalls of insurance reimbursement cuts. Ultimately, aspiring physical therapists should focus on building specialized skills and certifications, enhancing their marketability, and negotiating employment terms to thrive in the Berkeley job market.
More salary data for Berkeley, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Berkeley, NJ in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Berkeley?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $115,972 for physical therapistsin the Berkeley metropolitan area. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Berkeley 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