Physical Therapist Salary in Jersey City, NJ: $112,191 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Jersey City, NJ earns a median $112,191/year (≈ $53.93/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Jersey City's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $97,388 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.5% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Jersey City, New Jersey, physical therapists can expect a 2026 median annual salary of $112,191, which reflects a competitive pay structure within the healthcare market. Job opportunities in Jersey City often exist across various settings, including outpatient chains, hospital systems, and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). Pay can vary significantly, with annual compensation ranging from $78,820 at the 10th percentile to as much as $150,330 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors, indicate that the local job market provides favorable salaries compared to the national median of $105,288, showcasing a 6.56% premium. As the market adapts to increasing demand for rehabilitation services, understanding the structural dynamics that influence earnings will be essential for aspiring physical therapists.
About the Jersey City Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,820 | $37.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $90,250 | $43.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $112,191 | $53.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $133,366 | $64.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $150,330 | $72.28 |
Median Salary Position
6.56% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jersey City
In Jersey City, NJ, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $71,510 (2026 est.). At $112,191, the local median is 6.56% above the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Jersey City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Jersey City Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Jersey City median: $112,191/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Jersey City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $121,287 | -7.50% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | +6.56% more |
Physical Therapists in Jersey City, NJ earn a median of $112,191 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.56% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 7.50% below the New Jersey state average of $121,287.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Jersey City has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Jersey City, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $112,191 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $97,388 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$95,304
2025 BLS Actual
$109,497
2026 Current Est.
$112,191
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Jersey City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $95,304 | Actual |
| 2020 | $96,977 | Actual |
| 2021 | $101,889 | Actual |
| 2022 | $104,127 | Actual |
| 2023 | $106,247 | Actual |
| 2024 | $130,348 | Actual |
| 2025 | $109,497 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $112,191 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $114,951 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Jersey City metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $95,304 (2019) to $109,497 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $114,951 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,647 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jersey City 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) | $78,820 – $90,250 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $90,250 – $112,191 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $112,191 – $133,366 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $133,366 – $150,330 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Jersey City
The local job market is robust, employing around 42 physical therapists in the area. However, the cost of living index in Jersey City stands at 115.2, which translates to higher living costs compared to the national average. This reality impacts take-home purchasing power, making it imperative for professionals to seek out the highest-paying employers. Outpatient orthopedic clinics and hospital inpatient rehab facilities are generally among the top payers, often providing productivity bonuses that can substantially increase earnings. Factors influencing the significant salary range include expectations for productivity, board certifications, and clinic ownership opportunities. To maximize pay in Jersey City, therapists should consider pursuing advanced certifications like OCS or SCS, choosing employment in settings that offer cash-pay models, and negotiating for performance-based incentives, which are increasingly becoming standard in the evolving landscape of physical therapy.
More salary data for Jersey City, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in Jersey City, NJ in 2026?
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Can physical therapists make $100K in Jersey City?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist salary in Jersey City?
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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 $109,497 for physical therapistsin the Jersey City 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 Jersey City 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