Central vs New Orleans: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Central, LA and New Orleans, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Central, LA | New Orleans, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,370 | $103,003▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.81 | $49.52▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,776▲ | $61,630 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,246▲ | $82,634 |
| 75th Percentile | $113,921▲ | $110,595 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $124,912 | $126,948▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 710▲ |
Verdict
New Orleans, LA offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Central.
The salary gap between Central and New Orleans is $5,633 (5.79%). 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 Central spans $47,136,New Orleans spans $65,318. New Orleans 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, New Orleans ($111,238 effective) pays 3.16% more than Central ($107,829 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Central if…
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
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
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Central grew 19.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.7% growth in New Orleans over the same period.
Central, LA
$79,807 (2024) → $95,032 (2025)
New Orleans, LA
$85,390 (2019) → $100,530 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Central, LA
New Orleans, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Central or New Orleans?
What is the hourly rate difference between Central and New Orleans?
Should I relocate from Central to New Orleans as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Central 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