Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Natchitoches, LA: $45.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Natchitoches, LA runs $45.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,717 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Natchitoches's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,825 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapists in Natchitoches, Louisiana, can expect a median hourly pay of $45.53, which is notably lower than the national median of $50.62. This relatively competitive rate impacts various work arrangements, including part-time employment three days a week or per-diem opportunities that are commonly found in outpatient clinics, hospital rehab units, and home health settings. With the hourly range for positions in Natchitoches spanning from $37.83 for entry-level roles to $56.94 for the top earners, the pay reflects the local cost of living and job market dynamics. This hourly pay structure can be particularly enticing for part-time clinicians who appreciate the flexibility it offers, as they can balance their professional commitments with personal life, all while capitalizing on a field that is poised for steady growth.
About the Natchitoches Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.83 | $302.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.24 | $321.89 |
| Median (P50) | $45.53 | $364.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.96 | $407.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.94 | $455.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Natchitoches
Based on $45.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.53/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Natchitoches, LA can expect to earn approximately $94,709 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,640. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Natchitoches.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Natchitoches
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,821.33 | $7,892 | $94,709 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,092.80 | $4,735 | $56,825 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $728.53 | $3,157 | $37,884 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Natchitoches) | $45.53 |
| 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 Natchitoches, LA earn a median of $94,717 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.04% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 6.60% below the Louisiana state average of $101,410.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.53/hr = $56,825/year (purchasing power: $62,930).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,709/year (purchasing power: $104,883).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Natchitoches (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Natchitoches grew 14.9% from $38.68/hr (2019) to $44.44/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.65/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 Natchitoches 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 Natchitoches
Exploring the earning potential for physical therapists who opt for part-time work in Natchitoches reveals that a 24-hour work week translates to income significantly lower than that of full-time practitioners. Part-time therapists bringing in a median of roughly $43,200 annually may feel the pressure, especially when compared to their full-time counterparts. Per diem work can be even more lucrative, with rates ranging from $50 to $75 per hour, while travel contracts often promise weekly earnings between $1,800 and $2,800, including additional stipends. Employer types greatly influence hourly rates; outpatient orthopedic clinics may compensate differently than hospital rehabilitation settings or home health agencies. Some therapists might sacrifice lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, while others may prioritize higher pay without benefits to enhance their income flexibility. Professionals should always weigh the trade-offs and effectively negotiate their hourly pay in this economy, keeping the local market and job demands in mind as they pursue their careers in Natchitoches.
More salary data for Natchitoches, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Natchitoches in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapists make in Natchitoches?
Are physical therapists in Natchitoches paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist make per year in Natchitoches?
Do physical therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Natchitoches?
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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 Natchitoches. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Natchitoches is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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