Average Physical Therapist Assistants Salary in New Orleans-Metairie, LA
Physical Therapist Assistants in New Orleans-Metairie, LA, earn an average annual salary of $58,740. This figure is below the national average of $67,190, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a slightly lower demand influence compensation in this region. While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the salary differential warrants closer examination for professionals in this field.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $58,740 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $82,320.
- Outlook: The New Orleans-Metairie, LA, job market for Physical Therapist Assistants shows a stable presence, with a local workforce of 290 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.92 indicates a concentration of these professionals that is very close to the national average, suggesting a balanced demand and supply within the region. With 0.646 jobs per 1,000 workers, the market demonstrates consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, employment opportunities.
Salary Overview
The average Physical Therapist Assistants in New Orleans-Metairie, LA earns-12.6%below the national average.
$28.2
$1,130
$4,895
Physical Therapist Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for New Orleans-Metairie is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Physical Therapist Assistants nationwide have seen a gradual upward trend over the past four years, driven by increasing healthcare needs and an aging population. This general growth trajectory likely extends to the New Orleans-Metairie area, with potential for salary increases reflecting inflation and evolving market demands.
Physical Therapist Assistants Salary Distribution in New Orleans-Metairie, LA
Salary progression for Physical Therapist Assistants is typically tied to experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with several years of experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings, from the 25th to the 75th percentile, clearly signify this career advancement and the increased earning potential that comes with expertise and tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $24,030 | $11.6 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $44,055 | $21.2 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $62,630 | $30.1 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $73,425 | $35.3 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $82,320 | $39.6 |
Detailed Physical Therapist Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$58,740
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$58,740
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $58,740 in New Orleans-Metairie, LA, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Physical Therapist Assistant's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to broader economic conditions.
Job Market Context
290
Total Jobs
0.646
Per 1K Jobs
0.92
Location Quotient
New Orleans-Metairie, LA has 0.92x the national average concentration of Physical Therapist Assistants jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.92 for Physical Therapist Assistants in New Orleans-Metairie suggests that the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average. This indicates a market that is neither oversaturated nor experiencing a significant shortage, presenting a competitive yet accessible environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physical Therapist Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $54,800↓ 7% | 18 mi |
| Hammond, LA Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $44,580↓ 24% | 44 mi |
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $58,170↓ 1% | 57 mi |
| Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $58,490↓ 0% | 58 mi |
| Baton Rouge, LA Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $54,010↓ 8% | 76 mi |
Comparing salaries near New Orleans-Metairie, LA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physical Therapist Assistants make in New Orleans-Metairie, LA?
The median annual salary for a Physical Therapist Assistants in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is $58,740. This typically ranges from $24,030 for entry-level positions to $82,320 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is 12.6% lower than the national median of $67,190.
Is New Orleans-Metairie, LA a lucrative place for Physical Therapist Assistants?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $58,740 is below the national average of $67,190, indicating less lucrative compensation in this specific metropolitan area.
Is New Orleans-Metairie, LA a good place to live for Physical Therapist Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in New Orleans-Metairie, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near New Orleans-Metairie, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA ($54,800) and Hammond, LA.
How does the cost of living in New Orleans-Metairie compare to the national average?
The cost of living in New Orleans-Metairie, LA, is exactly on par with the national average, indicated by a Cost of Living Index of 100.
What is the concentration of Physical Therapist Assistants in New Orleans-Metairie?
The concentration of Physical Therapist Assistants in New Orleans-Metairie is slightly below the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.92.
How many Physical Therapist Assistants are employed in New Orleans-Metairie?
There are approximately 290 Physical Therapist Assistants employed in the New Orleans-Metairie metropolitan area.
Are there many job openings for Physical Therapist Assistants in New Orleans-Metairie?
The market offers a steady presence of jobs, with 0.646 Physical Therapist Assistant positions per 1,000 workers, indicating consistent demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 290 employees in the New Orleans-Metairie, LA area with a job density of 0.646 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 New Orleans-Metairie, LA