Average Physical Therapist Salary in Louisiana
Physical Therapists in Louisiana earn an average of $90,055 per year across 1 metro area. This is +9.7% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$90,055
per year
Hourly Rate
$43.30
per hour
vs National
-9.7%
$99,710 national
Salary Range
$59,829
to $131,432
About Physical Therapist Careers in Louisiana
Physical therapists (PTs) are licensed healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat individuals with conditions that limit their ability to move and perform functional activities. They develop individualized treatment plans combining manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and patient education to restore function, reduce pain, and prevent disability. Physical therapy spans a wide range of settings and specialties — orthopedics, neurology, pediatrics, sports medicine, geriatrics, and acute care — each with different patient populations and salary dynamics. The national median annual salary is approximately $99,710, with specialized and travel PTs frequently earning over $120,000.
In Louisiana, physical therapists earn an average of $90,055 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $59,829 for entry-level roles to $131,432 for the most experienced professionals — +9.7% below the national average. Pay is influenced most by specialty and board certification (ocs, scs, ncs) — certified specialists earn 10–20% more, setting — travel pt contracts often pay $1,800–$3,000+/week versus staff positions, and the specific metro area within Louisiana.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$90,055
Cost of Living Index
91
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$98,962
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Louisiana's cost of living (below average), a Physical Therapist's salary of $90,055 has the purchasing power of $98,962 in an average-cost area.
Physical Therapist Salary by City in Louisiana
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans, LA | $90,055 | $43.30/hr | $59,829 | $131,432 | 245 |
Modeled estimates derived from the 2026 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS national median and regional cost factors. Sorted by estimated median salary (highest first).
Louisiana vs National Average
Physical Therapist Salary Comparison
Employment in Louisiana
There are approximately 245 Physical Therapists employed across 1 metro area in Louisiana.
Key Industries: Oil & Gas, Petrochemicals, Shipping & Ports
State Income Tax: 1.85% - 4.25%
Physical Therapist Salary Range in Louisiana
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$59,829
Starting salary for new Physical Therapists
Median (50th Percentile)
$90,055
Mid-career Physical Therapist salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$131,432
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Louisiana
Nurse Practitioner
$113,619
avg in LA
+$23,564 vs Physical Therapist
Registered Nurse
$85,594
avg in LA
-$4,461 vs Physical Therapist
Dental Hygienist
$81,060
avg in LA
-$8,995 vs Physical Therapist
Licensed Practical Nurse
$55,331
avg in LA
-$34,724 vs Physical Therapist
Nursing Assistant
$34,401
avg in LA
-$55,654 vs Physical Therapist
Physical Therapist Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Physical Therapist salaries in Louisiana with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Physical Therapist Data
More Louisiana Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Physical Therapist salary in Louisiana?
The average Physical Therapist salary in Louisiana is $90,055 per year ($43.30/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 9.7% below the national average of $99,710.
What is the highest paying city for Physical Therapists in Louisiana?
New Orleans, LA is the highest paying city for Physical Therapists in Louisiana, with a median salary of $90,055 per year.
What is the salary range for Physical Therapists in Louisiana?
Physical Therapist salaries in Louisiana range from $59,829 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $131,432 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $90,055 per year.
About This Data
The national median for this occupation comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. The metro and state figures on this page are modeled estimates: we adjust that national median using regional wage differentials and cost-of-living indexes, then average the metros within Louisiana. They are not direct BLS metro observations and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers.