New Orleans vs Thibodaux: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between New Orleans, LA and Thibodaux, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New Orleans, LA | Thibodaux, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,003▲ | $78,561 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.52▲ | $37.77 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,630 | $63,578▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,634▲ | $67,944 |
| 75th Percentile | $110,595▲ | $89,445 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $126,948▲ | $95,989 |
| Total Employed | 710▲ | 6 |
Verdict
New Orleans, LA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Thibodaux.
The salary gap between New Orleans and Thibodaux is $24,442 (31.11%). 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 New Orleans spans $65,318,Thibodaux spans $32,411. New Orleans 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, New Orleans ($111,238 effective) pays 27.86% more than Thibodaux ($87,000 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New Orleans if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,003/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($126,948)
- ✓Larger job market (710 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,238)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Thibodaux if…
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in New Orleans grew 17.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.3% growth in Thibodaux over the same period.
New Orleans, LA
$85,390 (2019) → $100,530 (2025)
Thibodaux, LA
$76,452 (2024) → $76,675 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Orleans, LA
Thibodaux, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: New Orleans or Thibodaux?
What is the hourly rate difference between New Orleans and Thibodaux?
Should I relocate from New Orleans to Thibodaux as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in New Orleans vs Thibodaux?
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