Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Middletown, NJ: $57.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Middletown, NJ runs $57.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $119,412 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Middletown's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $71,646 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Middletown, New Jersey, the physical therapist hourly pay is projected to be $57.41 in 2026, surpassing the national average of $50.62. This attractive hourly rate opens up various opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers who typically operate in outpatient clinics, hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities. For instance, professionals working three days a week could earn a substantial income while enjoying flexibility in their schedules. The hourly pay in Middletown ranges from $45.09 for entry-level positions to $72.75 for seasoned therapists, reflecting a wide income spectrum based on experience and specialty. Hourly rates are derived from broader annual salary estimates, making these figures an essential insight for those evaluating career paths in physical therapy within the region.
About the Middletown 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) | $45.09 | $360.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.20 | $393.61 |
| Median (P50) | $57.41 | $459.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66.29 | $530.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72.75 | $581.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Middletown
Based on $57.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $57.41/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Middletown, NJ can expect to earn approximately $119,409 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $68,890. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Middletown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Middletown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,296.33 | $9,951 | $119,409 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,377.80 | $5,970 | $71,646 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $918.53 | $3,980 | $47,764 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Middletown) | $57.41 |
| 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 Middletown, NJ earn a median of $119,412 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.41% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 1.60% below the New Jersey state average of $121,354.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $57.41/hr = $71,646/year (purchasing power: $62,192).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $119,409/year (purchasing power: $103,654).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$48.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$56.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$57.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Middletown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $56.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Middletown grew 14.9% from $48.77/hr (2019) to $56.03/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $58.82/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 Middletown 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 Middletown
For a physical therapist working part-time in Middletown, earning the hourly rate translates to a manageable yet lucrative income. If a therapist works 24 hours per week, they can take home roughly $71,000 annually—a solid sum for part-time work that offers a balance of financial and lifestyle flexibility. On the flipside, per diem physical therapists, who commonly earn between $50 and $75 per hour, have the opportunity to capitalize on a growing demand through agency contracts, with weekly pay often ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, including various stipends. Employment settings greatly influence earnings; outpatient orthopedic clinics might offer lower rates, but other environments like hospitals and home health agencies can compensate more generously. Some therapists prioritize benefits such as health insurance over higher hourly pay, while others may opt for cash-pay models that can result in $150 to $250 per hour in direct compensation. For those negotiating their hourly rate in Middletown, citing local market conditions and emphasizing specialty certifications could provide a significant advantage.
More salary data for Middletown, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Middletown in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Middletown?
Are physical therapists in Middletown paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Middletown?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Middletown?
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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 Middletown. 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 Middletown 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