Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Ruston, LA: $46.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Ruston, LA runs $46.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,468 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Ruston's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,475 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the physical therapist hourly pay in Ruston, Louisiana, is projected to be $46.85, which positions it slightly below the national median of $50.62 per hour. This hourly rate can significantly impact part-time and per-diem workers, especially in diverse settings such as outpatient clinics, rehabilitation units, and home health visits. For those working three days a week, the flexibility allows for a manageable work-life balance, while per-diem physical therapists might enjoy the freedom of setting their schedules. Entry-level therapists can expect to earn around $37.45 per hour, while seasoned professionals may command rates up to $58.33 per hour, reflecting the range of experience and specialization available within the field.
About the Ruston 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) | $37.45 | $299.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.17 | $321.40 |
| Median (P50) | $46.85 | $374.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.02 | $432.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.33 | $466.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ruston
Based on $46.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.85/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ruston, LA can expect to earn approximately $97,458 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,226. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ruston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ruston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,874.20 | $8,122 | $97,458 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,124.52 | $4,873 | $58,475 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $749.68 | $3,249 | $38,983 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Ruston) | $46.85 |
| 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 Ruston, LA earn a median of $97,468 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.43% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 3.80% below the Louisiana state average of $101,318.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.85/hr = $58,475/year (purchasing power: $64,756).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,458/year (purchasing power: $107,927).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Ruston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Ruston grew 14.9% from $39.80/hr (2019) to $45.73/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.01/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 Ruston 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 Ruston
When considering the annual income from part-time work, a physical therapist in Ruston putting in 24 hours a week could realistically see earnings of around $54,814 annually, a distinct contrast to full-timers who typically take home more than $97,468. Per diem physical therapist pay in Ruston tends to be competitive, often ranging between $50 and $75 per hour, and travel contracts provide a lucrative alternative, offering weekly earnings of $1,800 to $2,800, including stipends. Hourly rates can vary significantly based on the employer type; outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer less per hour but provide health benefits, while home health or agency roles could allow for higher rates without benefits. Negotiating these rates effectively is key, particularly in a market like Ruston where therapists must balance between steady income and the flexibility of per diem work.
More salary data for Ruston, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Ruston in 2026?
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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 Ruston. 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 Ruston 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