Physical Therapist Salary in Manchester, NJ: $116,848 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Manchester, NJ earns a median $116,848/year (≈ $56.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Manchester's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $101,431 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the physical therapist salary in Manchester, NJ, is projected to reach a median of $116,848 annually, outpacing the national median of $105,288 by nearly 11%. Reflecting the dynamics of healthcare reimbursement and productivity expectations, professionals in this field can anticipate a salary range from $93,875 at the 10th percentile to $154,671 at the 90th percentile. These figures, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, detail how the compensation landscape is shaped not just by clinical skills but also by the pressures of maintaining high visit counts in settings like outpatient clinics. Manchester’s healthcare market, while smaller, presents unique opportunities for physical therapists, particularly those who excel under productivity metrics and adapt to the evolving business models within the industry.
About the Manchester Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,875 | $45.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $101,498 | $48.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $116,848 | $56.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $132,711 | $63.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $154,671 | $74.37 |
Median Salary Position
10.98% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manchester
In Manchester, NJ, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,796 (2026 est.). At $116,848, the local median is 10.98% above the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Manchester: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Manchester Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Manchester median: $116,848/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Manchester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $121,338 | -3.70% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | +10.98% more |
Physical Therapists in Manchester, NJ earn a median of $116,848 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.98% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 3.70% below the New Jersey state average of $121,338.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Manchester has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Manchester, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $116,848 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $101,431 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$99,260
2025 BLS Actual
$114,043
2026 Current Est.
$116,848
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Manchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $99,260 | Actual |
| 2020 | $101,003 | Actual |
| 2021 | $106,119 | Actual |
| 2022 | $108,450 | Actual |
| 2023 | $110,658 | Actual |
| 2024 | $119,858 | Actual |
| 2025 | $114,043 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $116,848 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $119,723 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Manchester metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $99,260 (2019) to $114,043 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $119,723 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,463 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manchester 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) | $93,875 – $101,498 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $101,498 – $116,848 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $116,848 – $132,711 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $132,711 – $154,671 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Manchester
Despite having only nine employed physical therapists in the area, the local job market shows promise, driven by a higher-than-average cost of living index of 115.2. As expenses eat into disposable income, maximizing take-home pay becomes crucial. Outpatient orthopedic practices like Athletico and ATI typically start at competitive rates but may offer additional productivity bonuses that can substantially influence overall earnings. The disparity in physical therapist pay in Manchester, NJ, can be attributed to various factors, including board specialization in areas such as OCS or SCS, compensation tied to visit frequency, clinic ownership equity, and the choice between cash-pay versus insurance-based practices. For those looking to enhance their earning potential, pursuing advanced certifications and engaging in specialized rehab settings may yield substantial financial rewards while meeting the quality of care demanded by clients.
More salary data for Manchester, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Manchester, NJ in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Manchester?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist salary in Manchester?
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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 $114,043 for physical therapistsin the Manchester 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 Manchester 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