Average Physical Therapists Salary in Lafayette, LA
Physical Therapists in Lafayette, LA, earn an average annual salary of $95,200. This figure is slightly below the national average of $102,240, a common occurrence in markets where local demand and specific economic factors influence compensation structures. While the nominal salary may be lower, the cost of living in Lafayette is on par with the national average, suggesting a comparable purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $95,200 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $129,590.
- Outlook: The physical therapy job market in Lafayette, LA, is characterized by a stable workforce of 240 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.83, the concentration of physical therapists is slightly below the national average, indicating a moderate but not oversaturated demand for these essential healthcare providers within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Physical Therapists in Lafayette, LA earns-6.9%below the national average.
$45.8
$1,831
$7,933
Physical Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Lafayette is not provided, the physical therapy field nationally has experienced consistent growth over the past four years, driven by an aging population and increased awareness of rehabilitation services. It is reasonable to assume that salaries for Physical Therapists in Lafayette have also seen a gradual upward trend, mirroring the broader industry's positive trajectory and increasing demand for skilled professionals.
Physical Therapists Salary Distribution in Lafayette, LA
Salary progression for Physical Therapists in Lafayette, LA, typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries signifies clear career advancement opportunities and the value placed on expertise within the local healthcare sector.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $59,670 | $28.7 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $71,400 | $34.3 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $93,560 | $45 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $119,000 | $57.2 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $129,590 | $62.3 |
Detailed Physical Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$95,200
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$95,200
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $95,200 for Physical Therapists in Lafayette, LA, is well-balanced by the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Physical Therapist's salary in Lafayette is equivalent to that of their counterparts in a typical U.S. city, making relocation financially neutral from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
240
Total Jobs
1.339
Per 1K Jobs
0.83
Location Quotient
Lafayette, LA has 0.83x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.83 suggests that Lafayette, LA, has a slightly lower concentration of Physical Therapists compared to the national average. This indicates that while the profession is established, there may be opportunities for growth and less intense competition than in highly concentrated areas, potentially benefiting job seekers and those looking to establish or expand practices.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physical Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, LA Physical Therapists Salary | $99,740↑ 5% | 56 mi |
| Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Physical Therapists Salary | $100,380↑ 5% | 67 mi |
| Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Physical Therapists Salary | $107,900↑ 13% | 67 mi |
| Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Physical Therapists Salary | $99,210↑ 4% | 67 mi |
| Lake Charles, LA Physical Therapists Salary | $104,000↑ 9% | 70 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lafayette, LA
Hiring Physical Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physical Therapists make in Lafayette, LA?
The median annual salary for a Physical Therapists in Lafayette, LA is $95,200. This typically ranges from $59,670 for entry-level positions to $129,590 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lafayette, LA is 6.9% lower than the national median of $102,240.
Is Lafayette, LA a lucrative place for Physical Therapists?
Moderately lucrative, with strong purchasing power.Yes, while the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living being exactly at the national average means the $95,200 salary offers comparable purchasing power to higher-paying, higher-cost-of-living areas.
Is Lafayette, LA a good place to live for Physical Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Lafayette, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lafayette, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Baton Rouge, LA ($99,740) and Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of Physical Therapists in Lafayette compare nationally?
Lafayette has a local workforce of 240 Physical Therapists. The jobs per 1,000 workers metric is 1.339, which provides context for the density of the profession within the local labor market.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for Physical Therapists in Lafayette?
A Location Quotient of 0.83 indicates that Lafayette has 83% of the national average concentration of Physical Therapists. This suggests a stable, but not overly saturated, job market for the profession.
How does experience impact a Physical Therapist's salary in Lafayette?
As with most professions, experience significantly influences salary. Entry-level Physical Therapists will earn less, while those with several years of experience, specialized certifications, or advanced degrees can expect to earn substantially more, moving into higher salary percentiles.
Is the job market for Physical Therapists growing in Lafayette?
While specific growth rates for Lafayette aren't detailed, the national trend for physical therapy is positive due to demographic shifts and healthcare needs. This general trend suggests a stable to growing demand for Physical Therapists in Lafayette.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the Lafayette, LA area with a job density of 1.339 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 Lafayette, LA