Jersey City vs Newark: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Jersey City, NJ and Newark, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jersey City, NJ | Newark, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,018▲ | $77,799 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.99▲ | $37.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,574▲ | $49,223 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,369 | $68,472▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $91,630 | $93,501▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,374 | $109,357▲ |
| Total Employed | 42 | 61▲ |
Verdict
Jersey City and Newark are closely matched on overall physical therapist assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Jersey City and Newark is $1,219 (1.57%). Jersey City's median is +12.49% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jersey City spans $53,800,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, Jersey City ($68,592 effective) pays 1.57% 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 Jersey City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,018/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,592)
- ✓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 Jersey City grew -16.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -17.7% growth in Newark over the same period.
Jersey City, NJ
$91,726 (2024) → $76,918 (2025)
Newark, NJ
$92,066 (2024) → $75,732 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jersey City, NJ
Newark, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Jersey City or Newark?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jersey City and Newark?
Should I relocate from Jersey City to Newark as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Jersey City 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