Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Kearny, NJ: $56.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Kearny, NJ runs $56.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $117,338 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Kearny's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $70,405 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kearny, NJ, the physical therapist hourly pay is projected to reach $56.41 in 2026, surpassing the national hourly median of $50.62 by a notable 11.44%. This median rate suggests a favorable environment for both full-time and part-time physical therapists, especially those working three days a week or in per-diem roles. Part-time practitioners can expect to see their hourly earnings reflect this substantial figure, while per-diem professionals may have the flexibility to work in various settings such as outpatient clinics, hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, or even home health visits. The hourly pay range in Kearny spans from $45.89 for entry-level positions (P10) to an impressive $72.95 for top earners (P90), highlighting the growth potential within this career.
About the Kearny Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45.89 | $367.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.28 | $394.27 |
| Median (P50) | $56.41 | $451.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.37 | $514.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72.95 | $583.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kearny
Based on $56.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.41/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kearny, NJ can expect to earn approximately $117,342 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $67,697. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kearny.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kearny
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,256.58 | $9,779 | $117,342 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,353.95 | $5,867 | $70,405 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $902.63 | $3,911 | $46,937 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Kearny) | $56.41 |
| 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 Kearny, NJ earn a median of $117,338 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.44% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 3.30% below the New Jersey state average of $121,343.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.41/hr = $70,405/year (purchasing power: $61,116).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $117,342/year (purchasing power: $101,859).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$47.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Kearny (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Kearny grew 14.9% from $47.92/hr (2019) to $55.06/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.80/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 Kearny 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 Kearny
For those considering part-time work in physical therapy, a 24-hour workweek yields an enticing annual income compared to full-time roles, allowing for a manageable work-life balance. Per-diem physical therapist pay in Kearny adds another layer of financial flexibility; many per-diem therapists can bill between $50-$75 per hour, while travel contracts may yield weekly earnings between $1,800 and $2,800, including stipends. Specialty practices, such as cash-pay sports or orthopedic clinics, can command rates of $150-$250 per hour, particularly in high-cost-of-living markets like NJ. Furthermore, hourly rates can vary by employer type, with outpatient clinics often offering lower pay compared to hospitals or specialty clinics, yet with different benefits. Some therapists may prioritize health insurance and retirement plans over higher hourly rates, which can be prevalent among per-diem or independent contractors. When negotiating pay, professionals should be aware of the local market trends and prepared to present their value based on productivity, specialization, and experience in Kearny’s evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Kearny, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Kearny in 2026?
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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 Kearny. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kearny 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