Baton Rouge vs Lake Charles: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Baton Rouge, LA and Lake Charles, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baton Rouge, LA | Lake Charles, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,353▲ | $91,087 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.73▲ | $43.79 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,917▲ | $56,537 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,579▲ | $73,341 |
| 75th Percentile | $112,552▲ | $109,438 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $132,860 | $133,567▲ |
| Total Employed | 590▲ | 140 |
Verdict
Baton Rouge, LA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lake Charles.
The salary gap between Baton Rouge and Lake Charles is $10,266 (11.27%). Baton Rouge's median is -3.74% 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,Lake Charles spans $77,030. Lake Charles has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Baton Rouge ($111,647 effective) pays 5.23% more than Lake Charles ($106,098 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Baton Rouge if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,353/year)
- ✓Larger job market (590 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,647)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Lake Charles if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($133,567)
- ✓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 13.9% growth in Lake Charles over the same period.
Baton Rouge, LA
$85,950 (2019) → $98,920 (2025)
Lake Charles, LA
$78,070 (2019) → $88,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baton Rouge, LA
Lake Charles, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Baton Rouge or Lake Charles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baton Rouge and Lake Charles?
Should I relocate from Baton Rouge to Lake Charles as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Baton Rouge vs Lake Charles?
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