Average Physical Therapist Assistants Salary in Lake Charles, LA
The average salary for Physical Therapist Assistantss in Lake Charles, LA is $55,380. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Lake Charles, LA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $55,380 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $82,990.
- Outlook: The current demand for Physical Therapist Assistantss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 80 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Lake Charles, LA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Physical Therapist Assistants in Lake Charles, LA earns-17.6%below the national average.
$26.6
$1,065
$4,615
Physical Therapist Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Physical Therapist Assistants salaries in Lake Charles, LA have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 22.7%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Physical Therapist Assistants Salary Distribution in Lake Charles, LA
The earning potential for Physical Therapist Assistantss in Lake Charles, LA varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 3.9x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $21,310, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $82,990.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $21,310 | $10.2 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $41,535 | $20 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $62,640 | $30.1 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $69,225 | $33.3 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $82,990 | $39.9 |
Detailed Physical Therapist Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$55,380
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$55,380
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Lake Charles, LA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $55,380 to $55,380.
Job Market Context
80
Total Jobs
0.81
Per 1K Jobs
1.16
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.16, Lake Charles, LA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Physical Therapist Assistants roles compared to the national norm.
80 people work as Physical Therapist Assistants in Lake Charles, LA.
Only 0.81 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Physical Therapist Assistants roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physical Therapist Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $74,020↑ 34% | 56 mi |
| Lafayette, LA Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $49,090↓ 11% | 70 mi |
| Alexandria, LA Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $52,070↓ 6% | 87 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lake Charles, LA
Hiring Physical Therapist Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physical Therapist Assistants make in Lake Charles, LA?
The median annual salary for a Physical Therapist Assistants in Lake Charles, LA is $55,380. This typically ranges from $21,310 for entry-level positions to $82,990 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lake Charles, LA is 17.6% lower than the national median of $67,190.
Is Lake Charles, LA a good place for Physical Therapist Assistantss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Physical Therapist Assistants salary in Lake Charles, LA is $55,380 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Lake Charles, LA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Lake Charles, LA a good place to live for Physical Therapist Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Lake Charles, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lake Charles, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($74,020) and Lafayette, LA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 80 employees in the Lake Charles, LA area with a job density of 0.81 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Physical Therapist Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lake Charles, LA