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Physical Therapist Licensing in New Jersey

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for physical therapist in New Jersey, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Physical Therapist in New Jersey

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Stand-alone license
  • Education: Degree required
  • Examination: State exam required
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Experience: No experience required
  • Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
  • Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Education • Office of Licensing and Credentials

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $106,310 median (5% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #3 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in New Jersey

With a median salary of 106,310, Physical Therapists in New Jersey earn 5% above the national median of $101,020. New Jersey ranks #3 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,565

Median annual salary

$106,310

Hourly estimate

$51.11
5% above national median

Difference: +$5,290

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$80,220
  • P2525th percentile$90,650
  • P50Median$106,310
  • P7575th percentile$125,830
  • P9090th percentile$138,640

State vs National Median

State: $106,310
National: $101,020

Total employment: 7,760 | Annual openings: N/A

Physical Therapist Salary Ranking

#3 of 50 statesfor Physical Therapist median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California123,300
#2Alaska108,640
#3New Jersey106,310
#4Nevada105,170
#5Oregon104,430

Nearby States Comparison

Physical Therapist licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
New Jersey$106,310Degree requiredState exam required6-24 months
New York$99,430Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Pennsylvania$99,570Specific course requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Delaware$103,120Specific course requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
New Jersey50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New York50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Pennsylvania50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Delaware50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Department of Education • Office of Licensing and Credentials

PO Box 503, Trenton, NJ, 8625

Phone: 6092922070

Related Careers in New Jersey

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Audiologist$103,510Degree required6-24 months
Chiropractor$101,460Degree required6-24 months
Clinical Lab Technologist$65,270Varies by state board6-24 months
Dental Assistant$48,070Degree required6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Physical Therapist in New Jersey?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Physical Therapists in New Jersey?

New Jersey lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Physical Therapists.

What education do you need to become a Physical Therapist in New Jersey?

The board typically expects Degree required for Physical Therapist licensure in New Jersey.

What is the typical Physical Therapist salary in New Jersey?

The median annual salary for Physical Therapists in New Jersey is 106,310. Salaries range from $80,220 (10th percentile) to $138,640 (90th percentile).

How does the Physical Therapist salary in New Jersey compare to the national average?

Physical Therapists in New Jersey earn 5% above the national median of $101,020, with a state median of 106,310.

How many Physical Therapists work in New Jersey?

New Jersey employs approximately 7,760 Physical Therapists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Physical Therapist license to New Jersey from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Physical Therapists in New Jersey?

The licensing agency is Department of Education / Office of Licensing and Credentials. Review agency details at https://www.nj.gov/education/license/.