Baton Rouge vs Shreveport: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Baton Rouge, LA and Shreveport, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baton Rouge, LA | Shreveport, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,353 | $102,696▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.73 | $49.38▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,917 | $74,386▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,579 | $82,480▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $112,552 | $116,425▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $132,860▲ | $126,374 |
| Total Employed | 590▲ | 280 |
Verdict
Baton Rouge and Shreveport are closely matched on overall physical therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Baton Rouge and Shreveport is $1,343 (1.33%). Shreveport's median is -2.46% 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,Shreveport spans $51,988. 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, Shreveport ($121,152 effective) pays 8.51% 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 Baton Rouge if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($132,860)
- ✓Larger job market (590 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Shreveport if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,696/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $121,152)
- ✓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 9.7% growth in Shreveport over the same period.
Baton Rouge, LA
$85,950 (2019) → $98,920 (2025)
Shreveport, LA
$91,380 (2019) → $100,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baton Rouge, LA
Shreveport, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Baton Rouge or Shreveport?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baton Rouge and Shreveport?
Should I relocate from Baton Rouge to Shreveport as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Baton Rouge vs Shreveport?
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