Alexandria vs Baton Rouge: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Alexandria, LA and Baton Rouge, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Alexandria, LA | Baton Rouge, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,923▲ | $101,353 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.92▲ | $48.73 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,376▲ | $61,917 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,271▲ | $81,579 |
| 75th Percentile | $139,079▲ | $112,552 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $159,838▲ | $132,860 |
| Total Employed | 160 | 590▲ |
Verdict
Alexandria, LA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Baton Rouge.
The salary gap between Alexandria and Baton Rouge is $4,570 (4.51%). Alexandria's median is +0.60% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alexandria spans $95,462,Baton Rouge spans $70,943. Alexandria 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, Alexandria ($123,618 effective) pays 10.72% more than Baton Rouge ($111,647 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Alexandria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,923/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($159,838)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $123,618)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Baton Rouge if…
- ✓Larger job market (590 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Alexandria grew 14.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.1% growth in Baton Rouge over the same period.
Alexandria, LA
$90,350 (2019) → $103,380 (2025)
Baton Rouge, LA
$85,950 (2019) → $98,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Alexandria, LA
Baton Rouge, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Alexandria or Baton Rouge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Alexandria and Baton Rouge?
Should I relocate from Alexandria to Baton Rouge as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Alexandria vs Baton Rouge?
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