Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Houma, LA: $38.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Houma, LA runs $38.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,247 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Houma's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.1, 15% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,143 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Houma, Louisiana, physical therapists earn a median hourly rate of $38.58, which is notably lower than the national median of $50.62. This disparity indicates that physical therapist hourly pay in Houma may be less competitive than in other regions, reflecting the area's cost of living, which is below the national average. For those interested in part-time or per-diem roles, such as working three days a week in outpatient clinics or home health settings, this hourly compensation can lead to an annual salary that may not provide as robust a livelihood compared to full-time positions. Entry-level therapists typically earn around $30.86 per hour, while more experienced professionals can command rates as high as $61.69 per hour, depending on their setting and expertise, including positions in sports medicine or skilled nursing facilities. These figures are derived from official estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.86 | $246.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.02 | $256.15 |
| Median (P50) | $38.58 | $308.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.72 | $405.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.69 | $493.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Houma
Based on $38.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.58/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Houma, LA can expect to earn approximately $80,238 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,291. With a cost-of-living index of 85.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Houma.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Houma
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,543.05 | $6,687 | $80,238 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $925.83 | $4,012 | $48,143 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $617.22 | $2,675 | $32,095 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Houma) | $38.58 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Chiropractor (National Avg) | $36.85 |
| Exercise Physiologist (National Avg) | $26.75 |
Physical Therapists in Houma, LA earn a median of $80,247 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.78% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 20.80% below the Louisiana state average of $101,322.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.58/hr = $48,143/year (purchasing power: $56,570).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,238/year (purchasing power: $94,284).
CoL index: 85.103 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+-3.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Houma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Houma grew -7.8% from $40.85/hr (2019) to $37.65/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.53/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Houma 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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist in Houma
The potential for earning as a physical therapist varies significantly based on work structure and employer type in Houma. Part-time therapists working 24 hours a week will typically earn less annually than their full-time counterparts, but they may find flexibility appealing. Per diem physical therapist pay in Houma often ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, making it a lucrative option for those willing to work varied hours without committing to permanent employment. Additionally, travel PT contracts can offer substantial earnings, sometimes reaching $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, including stipends. However, many therapists may opt for lower hourly rates with hospitals or outpatient facilities in exchange for benefits like health insurance. It's valuable for physical therapists to negotiate their compensation carefully, considering their total earnings against potential health benefits offered by employers, especially in a market like Houma, where opportunities may differ across various types of employers.
More salary data for Houma, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapists in Houma. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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