Healthcare Paterson, NJ Pop. 159,732

Physical Therapist Salary in Paterson, New Jersey

The median physical therapist salary in Paterson, NJ is $107,492 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 8.3% below the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$107,492
vs State Avg
$-9,772
vs National
+$9,772
Cost of Living
105%

Physical Therapist Pay in Paterson: What to Expect (2026)

Paterson offers a median physical therapist salary of $107,492, which is $9,772 below the New Jersey state average of $117,264. Compared to the national median of $97,720, Paterson pays above average for this role.

Paterson's cost of living is 105% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for physical therapists in Paterson spans from $73,480 at the 10th percentile to $143,220 at the 90th percentile — a $69,740 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $74,800, while senior physical therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $140,800. With a population of 159,732, Paterson is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physical Therapist Salary in Paterson by Experience

In Paterson, an entry-level physical therapist earns around $74,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $140,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$74,800
+$6,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$107,800
+$9,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$140,800
+$12,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Paterson, NJ

Percentile Paterson
10th Percentile $73,480
25th Percentile $88,220
Median (50th) $107,492
75th Percentile $128,040
90th Percentile $143,220

Physical Therapist Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

Jersey City, NJ
$129,968
Pop. 292,449
Edison, NJ
$117,264
Pop. 107,588
Newark, NJ
$114,332
Pop. 311,549
Elizabeth, NJ
$110,424
Pop. 137,298

How to Become a Physical Therapist in Paterson

Education

Most physical therapist positions require a doctoral degree. Paterson and the surrounding New Jersey area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Manual TherapyExercise PrescriptionPatient AssessmentRehabilitationAnatomyDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, physical therapist employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Paterson may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physical Therapist Jobs in Paterson

Browse open physical therapist positions in Paterson, NJ:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physical Therapist Salary in Paterson

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Paterson, NJ? ▼
The median physical therapist salary in Paterson, New Jersey is $107,492 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $97,720. Salaries range from $73,480 (10th percentile) to $143,220 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physical Therapist make per hour in Paterson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $107,492, a physical therapist in Paterson earns approximately $52 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Paterson compare to the New Jersey state average for physical therapist pay? ▼
Paterson's median physical therapist salary of $107,492 is 8.3% below the New Jersey state average of $117,264. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Paterson, NJ? ▼
Paterson has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a physical therapist salary of $107,492 in Paterson has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physical therapist in Paterson? ▼
Most physical therapist positions in Paterson require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Manual Therapy, Exercise Prescription, Patient Assessment, Rehabilitation. The job market is projected to grow 15% nationally over the next decade.