Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Slidell, LA: $50.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Slidell, LA runs $50.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,489 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Slidell's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $54.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,695 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
For physical therapists in Slidell, Louisiana, the projected median hourly pay is $50.24, slightly lower than the national median of $50.62. This competitive hourly rate provides a solid opportunity for both full-time and part-time professionals, particularly those working three days a week or in per-diem positions. In typical settings such as outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and hospitals, physical therapists can range from entry-level wages of $29.28 to top earners making up to $64.57. Such a flexible compensation structure enables various work arrangements, including part-time shifts and per-diem roles, appealing to those seeking work-life balance or supplemental income in their careers.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.28 | $234.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.80 | $318.36 |
| Median (P50) | $50.24 | $401.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.45 | $419.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.57 | $516.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Slidell
Based on $50.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.24/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Slidell, LA can expect to earn approximately $104,491 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,283. With a cost-of-living index of 92.73 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Slidell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Slidell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,009.45 | $8,708 | $104,491 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,205.67 | $5,225 | $62,695 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $803.78 | $3,483 | $41,796 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Slidell) | $50.24 |
| 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 Slidell, LA earn a median of $104,489 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.76% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 3.10% above the Louisiana state average of $101,347.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.24/hr = $62,695/year (purchasing power: $67,613).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,491/year (purchasing power: $112,688).
CoL index: 92.726 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Slidell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Slidell grew 14.9% from $42.67/hr (2019) to $49.03/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.47/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 Slidell 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 Slidell
Exploring the intricacies of physical therapist hourly pay in Slidell highlights diverse earning avenues. A physical therapist working part-time for 24 hours a week could see an annual take-home payout that varies significantly depending on hours worked. Per-diem or agency physical therapists, commonly billing between $50 and $75 per hour, can offer flexibility and potentially higher pay compared to standard positions. Various employer types further influence earning potential; outpatient clinics might provide lower hourly rates compared to hospital systems, yet they often come with bonuses tied to productivity. While the allure of cash-pay models in sports and orthopedic specialties can attract therapists, compromising benefits for higher pay is a common trade-off. Negotiating for higher hourly rates in Slidell may involve leveraging these dynamics, understanding the employer’s budget constraints, and demonstrating value through proven results in patient care and outcomes.
More salary data for Slidell, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in Slidell 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 Slidell. 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, 2-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