Bridgewater vs Newark: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Bridgewater, NJ and Newark, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bridgewater, NJ | Newark, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,693▲ | $77,799 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.32▲ | $37.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,052▲ | $49,223 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,455▲ | $68,472 |
| 75th Percentile | $88,642 | $93,501▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,880 | $109,357▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 61▲ |
Verdict
Bridgewater and Newark are closely matched on overall physical therapist assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Bridgewater and Newark is $1,894 (2.43%). Bridgewater's median is +13.45% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bridgewater spans $41,828,Newark spans $60,134. Newark has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bridgewater ($69,178 effective) pays 2.43% more than Newark ($67,534 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bridgewater if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,693/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,178)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Newark if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,357)
- ✓Larger job market (61 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Bridgewater grew -10.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -17.7% growth in Newark over the same period.
Bridgewater, NJ
$86,220 (2024) → $77,575 (2025)
Newark, NJ
$92,066 (2024) → $75,732 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bridgewater, NJ
Newark, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Bridgewater or Newark?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bridgewater and Newark?
Should I relocate from Bridgewater to Newark as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Bridgewater vs Newark?
Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% 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 Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov