Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in North Bergen, NJ: $56.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in North Bergen, NJ runs $56.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $117,625 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against North Bergen's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $70,571 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In North Bergen, New Jersey, physical therapists can expect a median hourly pay of $56.55, which surpasses the national median of $50.62. This higher rate reflects the local cost of living and the demands within this profession. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, the earnings can initially seem appealing, especially when considering shifts in various settings like outpatient clinics, hospitals, and home health visits. Entry-level physical therapists in North Bergen earn around $43.07 per hour, while top earners can see rates upwards of $73.42. These hourly rates provide a pathway for a diverse range of employment models, including per-diem positions, which can further increase income opportunities for therapists across multiple environments.
About the North Bergen 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) | $43.07 | $344.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.22 | $369.76 |
| Median (P50) | $56.55 | $452.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66.54 | $532.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73.42 | $587.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Bergen
Based on $56.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.55/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Bergen, NJ can expect to earn approximately $117,619 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $67,857. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in North Bergen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Bergen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,261.91 | $9,802 | $117,619 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,357.14 | $5,881 | $70,571 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $904.76 | $3,921 | $47,048 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (North Bergen) | $56.55 |
| 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 North Bergen, NJ earn a median of $117,625 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.72% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 3.00% below the New Jersey state average of $121,263.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.55/hr = $70,571/year (purchasing power: $61,260).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $117,619/year (purchasing power: $102,100).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$48.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in North Bergen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in North Bergen grew 14.9% from $48.04/hr (2019) to $55.19/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.94/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 North Bergen 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 North Bergen
For physical therapists considering part-time work in North Bergen, a typical schedule of three days a week translates into an annual income significantly lower than a full-time salary. However, per-diem physical therapist pay in North Bergen can range from $50 to $75 per hour, which can be an attractive option for those prioritizing flexibility. Additionally, travel contracts often offer earnings between $1,800 and $2,800 per week, with stipends included, and cash-pay specialists can command rates of $150 to $250 per hour. Understanding the compensation differences across employer types is essential, which can notably vary between outpatient orthopedic clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and hospital settings. While some therapists may accept lower hourly rates for the benefits that come with full-time employment, others might seek higher hourly pay without benefits for greater flexibility. When negotiating, it's vital for hourly workers in North Bergen to consider their priorities—whether they value consistent income and health insurance or higher pay rates that allow for a more variable work schedule.
More salary data for North Bergen, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in North Bergen in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in North Bergen?
Are physical therapists in North Bergen paid hourly or salary?
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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 North Bergen. 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 North Bergen 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