Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Newark, NJ: $77,799 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Newark, NJ earns a median $77,799/year (≈ $37.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Newark's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $67,534 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the physical therapist assistant salary in Newark is projected to reach a median of $77,799, reflecting a robust local market that is positively affected by the divide between outpatient services and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) following recent Medicare cuts. The salary range for these professionals spans from a lower percentile average of $49,223 to an upper tier of $109,357, showcasing a diverse earning potential in this field. These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and regional price parities to reflect the economic conditions specific to Newark. As the job market adapts, PTAs are positioned to navigate the shifting dynamics that come with fluctuations in Medicare reimbursements and the evolving healthcare landscape in Newark, NJ.
About the Newark Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,223 | $23.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68,472 | $32.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,799 | $37.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93,501 | $44.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109,357 | $52.58 |
Median Salary Position
10.75% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Newark
In Newark, NJ, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,134 (2026 est.). At $77,799, the local median is 10.75% above the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Newark: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Newark Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Newark median: $77,799/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Newark Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $80,957 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | +10.75% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Newark, NJ earn a median of $77,799 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.75% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 3.90% below the New Jersey state average of $80,957.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Newark has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Newark, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $77,799 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $67,534 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$65,111
2025 BLS Actual
$75,732
2026 Current Est.
$77,799
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Newark (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,111 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,196 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,758 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,519 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,970 | Actual |
| 2024 | $92,066 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,732 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,799 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,923 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Newark metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $65,111 (2019) to $75,732 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $79,923 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,812 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Newark 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 2.73% 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) | $49,223 – $68,472 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $68,472 – $77,799 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,799 – $93,501 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $93,501 – $109,357 |
PTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Assistant Job Market in Newark
The job market for physical therapist assistants in Newark is defined by approximately 61 practicing professionals in the area, which creates a competitive but promising environment. The cost of living index in Newark stands at 115.2, indicating that while salaries may be higher than the national average, purchasing power can be tighter. Employers that top the pay scale for physical therapist assistant pay in Newark NJ include outpatient orthopedic clinics, hospital inpatient rehab units, and some home health agencies, where reimbursement practices tend to be more favorable. Variability in salary is driven by factors such as practice setting, productivity metrics, and the lingering effects of the Medicare 15% cut impacting PTA compensation, particularly in SNFs and outpatient environments. For those looking to maximize their pay, it's advisable to consider opportunities in high-demand areas, seek outpatient positions where reimbursement is stronger, and pursue skills that augment their value, setting the stage for future financial growth.
More salary data for Newark, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Newark?
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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
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 $75,732 for physical therapist assistantsin the Newark metropolitan area. A 2.73% 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 Newark 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 2.73%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapist assistants (SOC 31-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov