Physical Therapist Pay

Trenton vs Washington Township: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist salaries between Trenton, NJ and Washington Township, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Trenton, NJ
$110,944
$53.34/hr
Washington Township, NJ
$119,908
$57.64/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricTrenton, NJWashington Township, NJ
Median Salary$110,944$119,908
Hourly Rate$53.34$57.64
Entry Level (P10)$85,677$91,586
25th Percentile$98,618$100,649
75th Percentile$126,364$139,871
Top Earner (P90)$134,817$153,138
Total Employed36012
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Trenton ($110,944) and Washington Township ($119,908) physical therapist salaries.TrentonWashington TownshipMedian Salary$110,944$119,908Entry Level (P10)$85,677$91,586Top Earner (P90)$134,817$153,138US Median $105,288

Verdict

Washington Township, NJ offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Trenton.

The salary gap between Trenton and Washington Township is $8,964 (8.08%). Washington Township's median is +13.89% compared to the US national median of $105,288.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Trenton spans $49,140,Washington Township spans $61,552. Washington Township has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.

Trenton
P10 (Entry)$85,677
P25$98,618
Median$110,944
P75$126,364
P90 (Top)$134,817
Washington Township
P10 (Entry)$91,586
P25$100,649
Median$119,908
P75$139,871
P90 (Top)$153,138

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Trenton ($107,525 effective) pays 3.30% more than Washington Township ($104,087 effective).

Trenton
Nominal: $110,944
CoL Index: 103.18
Adjusted: $107,525
Washington Township
Nominal: $119,908
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $104,087

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Trenton if…

  • Larger job market (360 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,525)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Washington Township if…

  • Higher median salary ($119,908/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($153,138)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Trenton grew 14.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -4.9% growth in Washington Township over the same period.

Trenton, NJ

+14.7%

$94,440 (2019) → $108,280 (2025)

Washington Township, NJ

+-4.9%

$122,996 (2024) → $117,029 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Trenton or Washington Township?

Washington Township has a higher median physical therapist salary at $119,908/year, compared to Trenton at $110,944/year — a difference of $8,964 (8.08%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Trenton and Washington Township?

Trenton physical therapists earn $53.34/hr while Washington Township hygienists earn $57.64/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Trenton to Washington Township as a physical therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Trenton and Washington Township. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Trenton = $107,525, Washington Township = $104,087), job availability (360 vs 12 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Trenton vs Washington Township?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $85,677 in Trenton and $91,586 in Washington Township. The Washington Township area offers higher starting salaries.
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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.

Clinically reviewed by Jordan Lee, DPTData verified by Maria Garcia, DPT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov