Average Physical Therapists Salary in Baton Rouge, LA
Physical Therapists in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, earn an average annual salary of $99,740. This figure is slightly below the national average of $102,240, suggesting a localized market dynamic that influences compensation. Factors such as regional demand, healthcare infrastructure, and the specific needs of the Louisiana population contribute to this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $99,740 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $132,620.
- Outlook: The physical therapy job market in Baton Rouge, LA, is moderately concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 0.9, indicating a presence close to the national average. The local workforce comprises approximately 580 physical therapists, with 1.443 jobs per 1,000 workers. This suggests a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these professionals within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Physical Therapists in Baton Rouge, LA earns-2.4%below the national average.
$48
$1,918
$8,312
Physical Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Baton Rouge is not provided, it is generally assumed that physical therapist salaries across the nation, and likely within Baton Rouge, have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is driven by an aging population, increased awareness of physical therapy benefits, and advancements in treatment methodologies, all contributing to a rising demand and, consequently, compensation.
Physical Therapists Salary Distribution in Baton Rouge, LA
Salary progression for physical therapists in Baton Rouge is significantly influenced by experience. Entry-level practitioners typically earn at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command substantially higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the value placed on expertise and years of practice.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $64,420 | $31 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $74,805 | $36 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $99,370 | $47.8 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $124,675 | $59.9 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $132,620 | $63.8 |
Detailed Physical Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$99,740
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$99,740
Adjusted for COL (100)
For physical therapists considering a move to Baton Rouge, the nominal average salary of $99,740 aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a physical therapist's salary in Baton Rouge is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial outlook without the immediate pressures of a high or low cost of living.
Job Market Context
580
Total Jobs
1.443
Per 1K Jobs
0.9
Location Quotient
Baton Rouge, LA has 0.90x the national average concentration of Physical Therapists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.9, Baton Rouge's physical therapy market is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a balanced job market where the number of physical therapists is relatively proportional to the national distribution. While not indicating an oversaturated market, it also doesn't signal an exceptionally high demand that would drive salaries significantly above the national average.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physical Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hammond, LA Physical Therapists Salary | $94,990↓ 5% | 40 mi |
| Lafayette, LA Physical Therapists Salary | $95,200↓ 5% | 56 mi |
| Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA Physical Therapists Salary | $94,360↓ 5% | 65 mi |
| Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Physical Therapists Salary | $100,380↑ 1% | 67 mi |
| Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Physical Therapists Salary | $107,900↑ 8% | 67 mi |
Comparing salaries near Baton Rouge, LA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physical Therapists make in Baton Rouge, LA?
The median annual salary for a Physical Therapists in Baton Rouge, LA is $99,740. This typically ranges from $64,420 for entry-level positions to $132,620 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Baton Rouge, LA is 2.4% lower than the national median of $102,240.
Is Baton Rouge, LA a lucrative place for Physical Therapists?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation relative to its cost of living.Physical Therapists in Baton Rouge earn $99,740 annually, which is close to the national average, while the cost of living is exactly at the national average. This alignment ensures strong purchasing power for local PTs.
Is Baton Rouge, LA a good place to live for Physical Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Baton Rouge, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Baton Rouge, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hammond, LA ($94,990) and Lafayette, LA.
How does Baton Rouge's PT salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Physical Therapists in Baton Rouge is $99,740, which is slightly lower than the national average of $102,240.
What is the concentration of Physical Therapists in Baton Rouge?
Baton Rouge has a Location Quotient of 0.9 for Physical Therapists, indicating a concentration that is very close to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Baton Rouge affect a PT's salary?
The cost of living in Baton Rouge is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $99,740 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
What is the total number of Physical Therapists in Baton Rouge?
There are approximately 580 Physical Therapists employed in the Baton Rouge, LA area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 580 employees in the Baton Rouge, LA area with a job density of 1.443 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 Therapists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA