Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Camden, NJ: $94,830 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Camden, NJ — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $94,830/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Camden's price premium (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $82,318 in average-cost America. The 32% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Camden, New Jersey, the landscape for experienced physical therapist assistants is marked by substantial earning potential, with the top physical therapist assistant salary projected to reach $94,830 in 2026. This figure places Camden's highest earners significantly above the national peak, reflecting a robust demand for seasoned professionals. The median annual salary of $71,738 represents a strong foundation, especially for those who have honed their expertise over at least seven years. Those who aim to break into the upper compensation tiers typically engage in continuous education and seek leadership roles, not only expanding their skills but also enhancing their marketability.
About the Camden Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Camden
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Camden earn between $83,636 and $94,830 per year (2026 est.). This $44,344 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Camden median of $71,738 sits 2.12% above the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Camden | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $71,738 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,636 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $94,830 | $91,954 |
In Camden, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 32.19% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Camden
Advanced Certifications in New Jersey
NJ physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $71,738 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Camden employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Camden command premium compensation, often reaching the $83,636–$94,830 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Camden metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced physical therapist assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured physical therapist assistants in Camden with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Physical Therapist Assistants in New Jersey who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Physical Therapist Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Camden
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCamden ranks #57 of 61 New Jersey cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $94,830).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Camden ($94,830) is 6.66% below the New Jersey average P90 ($101,600).
2019 BLS Actual
$83,369
2025 BLS Actual
$92,310
2026 Current Est.
$94,830
2019–2027 Growth
+16.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Camden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $83,369 | Actual |
| 2020 | $85,050 | Actual |
| 2021 | $82,678 | Actual |
| 2022 | $87,896 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,609 | Actual |
| 2024 | $114,265 | Actual |
| 2025 | $92,310 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $94,830 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $97,419 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Camden saw their compensation grow 10.7% from $83,369 in 2019 to $92,310 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.73% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $97,419 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Camden 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.
Maximizing Your Physical Therapist Assistant Earnings in Camden
Compensation in Camden diverges significantly based on specialization and employer type. Physical therapist assistants focusing on orthopedic care, geriatric rehab in skilled nursing facilities, or pediatric services often command higher salaries due to the specialized skills required. For senior-level PTAs, working in hospital inpatient rehab settings tends to offer better pay than roles in outpatient clinics or school systems. Career advancement presents multiple pathways: leading a PTA team, becoming a clinic operations supervisor, or transitioning into academia as a PTA program faculty member. Pursuing advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can further augment earning potential in a competitive market. Additionally, non-salary factors such as setting preference, productivity expectations, and weekend premiums play a critical role in total compensation, especially as the 15% Medicare cut continues to affect reimbursement rates in both skilled nursing and outpatient environments.
More salary data for Camden, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Camden in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Camden?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Camden?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Camden?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Camden?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $92,310 for physical therapist assistants in the Camden metro area. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Camden 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