Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Shreveport, LA: $74,386 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Shreveport, LA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $74,386 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Shreveport's local price level (BEA RPP 84.8 — 15% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $87,755 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($102,696) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the physical therapy field in Shreveport, Louisiana can expect an entry-level physical therapist salary starting around $74,386. While this figure is a solid starting point, it falls significantly below the city's median salary of $102,696. As early-career physical therapists gain experience, they can anticipate a growth trajectory that takes them to approximately $82,480 within the first few years. Given the projected growth rate of 2.46%, Shreveport presents a fairly viable market for new graduates. It affords a mix of competitive pay alongside opportunities for professional development, making it an appealing landing spot for those just starting their careers in physical therapy.
Career Earnings Timeline in Shreveport
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Shreveport
Entry-level physical therapists in Shreveport, LA typically start between $74,386 and $82,480 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $51,988 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $102,696 — 2.46% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Louisiana of $90,000 represents just 120.99% of the starting physical therapist pay ($74,386/year) in Shreveport. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. Tuition varies substantially between public in-state DPT programs and private institutions; most programs require a prerequisite bachelor's degree.
PT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Shreveport
- 1Research the Shreveport market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $74,386 to $82,480, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in LA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Shreveport, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Shreveport for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Shreveport's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Compensation Range
The physical therapist wage spread in Shreveport is $51,988 ( 69.89%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $74,386, experienced hygienists can earn up to $126,374.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,450
2025 BLS Actual
$72,600
2026 Current Est.
$74,386
2019–2027 Growth
+26.1%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Shreveport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,450 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,440 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,630 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,150 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,050 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,990 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,600 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,386 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,216 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Shreveport, LA grew 20.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,450 in 2019 to $72,600 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $76,216. New graduates entering the Shreveport job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Shreveport metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.46% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Shreveport
Employers in Shreveport who are most likely to hire new graduates include outpatient orthopedic chains, which typically provide structured productivity ramps for first-time physical therapists. These employers, while leading in new grad placements, may offer salaries on the lower end of the spectrum. Hospital systems, on the other hand, frequently provide residency programs that lead to board certification, potentially enhancing starting pay. Skills and credentials such as a DPT degree from a CAPTE-accredited program and passing the NPTE are key to securing positions. To further increase their marketability, many new graduates may also consider pursuing board specialization (OCS, SCS) or becoming APTA members. Given the pressures from CMS reimbursement cuts, a focused career strategy that emphasizes productivity within outpatient settings or seeks opportunities in more stable hospital systems can guide early-career professionals through their first three years.
More salary data for Shreveport, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Shreveport in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Shreveport?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Shreveport?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Shreveport?
How do I become a physical therapist in Louisiana?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Shreveport. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.46%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapists (SOC 29-1123).
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov