Physical Therapist Salary in Clifton, NJ: $119,046 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Clifton, NJ earns a median $119,046/year (≈ $57.23/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Clifton's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $103,339 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Clifton, New Jersey, the anticipated median annual salary for physical therapists in 2026 is projected at $119,046, reflecting a competitive edge over the national median of $105,288. The local salary range indicates that a physical therapist can earn between $92,924 (P10) and $162,034 (P90), with the potential for high earnings likely influenced by productivity expectations and patient visit pressures. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost-of-living considerations, which are notable in Clifton, where the cost of living index stands at 115.2. The job market in Clifton is shaped by the demand for effective physical therapy services, and as such, compensation reflects both individual productivity and the financial dynamics of local healthcare practices.
About the Clifton Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,924 | $44.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $101,592 | $48.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $119,046 | $57.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $137,031 | $65.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $162,034 | $77.90 |
Median Salary Position
13.07% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clifton
In Clifton, NJ, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $69,110 (2026 est.). At $119,046, the local median is 13.07% above the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Clifton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Clifton Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Clifton median: $119,046/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Clifton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $121,352 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | +13.07% more |
Physical Therapists in Clifton, NJ earn a median of $119,046 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.07% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 1.90% below the New Jersey state average of $121,352.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Clifton has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Clifton, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $119,046 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $103,339 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$101,127
2025 BLS Actual
$116,188
2026 Current Est.
$119,046
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Clifton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $101,127 | Actual |
| 2020 | $102,903 | Actual |
| 2021 | $108,115 | Actual |
| 2022 | $110,489 | Actual |
| 2023 | $112,739 | Actual |
| 2024 | $122,113 | Actual |
| 2025 | $116,188 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $119,046 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $121,975 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Clifton metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $101,127 (2019) to $116,188 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $121,975 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,848 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clifton 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) | $92,924 – $101,592 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $101,592 – $119,046 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $119,046 – $137,031 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $137,031 – $162,034 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Clifton
At present, 14 physical therapists are actively employed in the Clifton area, which presents a moderate local job market for this profession. With the elevated cost of living impacting the purchasing power of salaries, physical therapists in Clifton must be strategic about their employment choices. The highest salaries in the region typically originate from outpatient orthopedic clinics, including well-known chains like Athletico and ATI, while hospital inpatient rehab settings may offer competitive packages as well. Factors influencing the variation in pay include expectations for the number of patient visits per day and the potential for additional stipends associated with specialized board certifications like OCS and SCS. Additionally, strategies such as transitioning to cash-pay models, which bypass the complexities of insurance reimbursement, could further enhance overall earnings. For those navigating their career paths, understanding these dynamics is crucial for maximizing compensation in Clifton, NJ.
More salary data for Clifton, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $116,188 for physical therapistsin the Clifton 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 Clifton 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