Baton Rouge vs New Orleans: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Baton Rouge, LA and New Orleans, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baton Rouge, LA | New Orleans, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,353 | $103,003▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.73 | $49.52▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,917▲ | $61,630 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,579 | $82,634▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $112,552▲ | $110,595 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $132,860▲ | $126,948 |
| Total Employed | 590 | 710▲ |
Verdict
New Orleans, LA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Baton Rouge.
The salary gap between Baton Rouge and New Orleans is $1,650 (1.63%). New Orleans's median is -2.17% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baton Rouge spans $70,943,New Orleans spans $65,318. Baton Rouge has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Baton Rouge ($111,647 effective) pays 0.37% more than New Orleans ($111,238 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Baton Rouge if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($132,860)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,647)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose New Orleans if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,003/year)
- ✓Larger job market (710 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Baton Rouge grew 15.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.7% growth in New Orleans over the same period.
Baton Rouge, LA
$85,950 (2019) → $98,920 (2025)
New Orleans, LA
$85,390 (2019) → $100,530 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baton Rouge, LA
New Orleans, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Baton Rouge or New Orleans?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baton Rouge and New Orleans?
Should I relocate from Baton Rouge to New Orleans as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Baton Rouge vs New Orleans?
Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov