Physical Therapist Salaries in Louisiana — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Physical Therapists in Louisiana earn an average of $100,550 per year ($48.34/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 2,930 physical therapists.
Physical Therapist salaries in Louisiana are above the national average by approximately $684. Louisiana has a state income tax rate of up to 4.25%.
Louisiana's growing population and business-friendly environment create expanding opportunities for physical therapists.
Louisiana Physical Therapist Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Louisiana after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Louisiana has a state income tax rate of up to 4.25%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Louisiana has a state income tax rate of up to 4.25%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Louisiana Physical Therapist Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Louisiana median of $100,550.
Physical Therapist Salary by Experience — Louisiana
Physical Therapist Salary Trend in Louisiana — 2021 to 2026
5-Year Dataphysical therapists pay in Louisiana has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the physical therapist workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Louisiana's healthcare and rehabilitation.
Physical Therapist Salary by City — Louisiana
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans | $111,600 | $53.65 | +11.0% | 1,025 |
| Baton Rouge | $106,600 | $51.25 | +6.0% | 820 |
| Shreveport | $103,550 | $49.78 | +3.0% | 527 |
| Lafayette | $96,550 | $46.42 | -4.0% | 263 |
| Lake Charles | $91,500 | $43.99 | -9.0% | 175 |
| Kenner | $87,500 | $42.07 | -13.0% | 117 |
Tip: New Orleans offers the highest physical therapist salaries in Louisiana at $111,600/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Louisiana vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Louisiana sits in the mid-range for physical therapists.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Louisiana has a state income tax rate of up to 4.25%.
Physical Therapist Job Outlook in Louisiana
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for physical therapists in Louisiana is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Louisiana job market. Louisiana's growing population and business-friendly environment create expanding opportunities for physical therapists.
How to Earn More as a Physical Therapist in Louisiana
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a physical therapist in Louisiana typically adds $82,500 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Physical Therapy Board can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. New Orleans pays physical therapists $111,600/yr — +11.0% above the Louisiana average. Simply relocating within Louisiana can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Physical Therapists who specialise in healthcare and rehabilitation typically command premium rates in Louisiana. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Texas pays physical therapists $103,710/yr — 3.1% vs Louisiana.
Find Physical Therapist Jobs in Louisiana
Live ListingsSearch current physical therapist job vacancies in Louisiana:
🔍 Physical Therapist jobs in Louisiana — Indeed→ 🔍 Physical Therapist jobs in Louisiana — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Physical Therapist jobs — New Orleans, LA→