Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in South Brunswick, NJ: $79,285 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in South Brunswick, NJ earns a median $79,285/year (≈ $38.11/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in South Brunswick's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $68,824 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist assistants in South Brunswick, New Jersey, earn a median annual salary of $79,285, which is notably above the national median of $70,247. The salary range for these professionals varies widely, with entry-level positions starting at around $55,419, while experienced PTAs can earn as much as $104,270. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost structures, reflect a competitive compensation landscape supporting the transition from physical therapist assistant to doctor of physical therapy (DPT). The growth in opportunities for PTAs in South Brunswick makes it an appealing place for aspiring professionals in this field.
About the South Brunswick Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,419 | $26.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68,597 | $32.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $79,285 | $38.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87,701 | $42.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104,270 | $50.13 |
Median Salary Position
12.87% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Brunswick
In South Brunswick, NJ, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,851 (2026 est.). At $79,285, the local median is 12.87% above the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in South Brunswick: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How South Brunswick Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
South Brunswick median: $79,285/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | South Brunswick Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $80,903 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | +12.87% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in South Brunswick, NJ earn a median of $79,285 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.87% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 2.00% below the New Jersey state average of $80,903.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
South Brunswick has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
South Brunswick, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $79,285 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $68,824 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$66,354
2025 BLS Actual
$77,178
2026 Current Est.
$79,285
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in South Brunswick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,354 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,460 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,052 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,846 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,325 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,778 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,178 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,285 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,449 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Brunswick metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $66,354 (2019) to $77,178 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,449 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,095 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Brunswick 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) | $55,419 – $68,597 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $68,597 – $79,285 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $79,285 – $87,701 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $87,701 – $104,270 |
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 South Brunswick
In South Brunswick, there are currently seven physical therapist assistants employed, indicating a niche market for these positions within the local healthcare ecosystem. The cost of living index stands at 115.2, which suggests that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power of PTA salaries may be somewhat impacted by higher living costs. Outpatient orthopedic clinics generally offer the highest compensation among employers in this area, directly affecting the variance in physical therapist assistant pay in South Brunswick, NJ. Factors such as work settings, productivity expectations, and supervision requirements contribute to the disparity in salaries. To enhance earning potential, PTAs might consider seeking positions in high-paying outpatient settings, pursuing specialization, or transitioning toward academic qualifications necessary for the PTA-to-DPT bridge pathway. Understanding these dynamics can strategically inform career decisions in a market shaped by recent Medicare reimbursement cuts, which have impacted earnings particularly in skilled nursing and outpatient facilities.
More salary data for South Brunswick, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in South Brunswick, NJ in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in South Brunswick?
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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 $77,178 for physical therapist assistantsin the South Brunswick 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 South Brunswick 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