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2026 Salary Data — New Orleans, LA
Updated April 28, 2026

Physical Therapist Salary in New Orleans: $92K Median

Physical Therapists in New Orleans, LA earn between $69K and $120K per year.

That's -8% below the US national median of $99,710 for this role.

Quick Answer

As of April 2026, the median Physical Therapist salary in New Orleans, LA is $91,733 per year — -8% below the US national median of $99,710. Salaries range from $69,000 (entry, 25th percentile) to $119,600 (90th percentile). Physical Therapists in New Orleans earned approximately $13,899 in 2025, representing 560.0% year-over-year growth.

Median
$91,733
+560.0% YoY · $7,644/mo
Entry
$71,760
0–2 years
Experienced
$105,800
5+ years
Top 10%
$119,600
Senior/lead
Physical Therapist Salary — New Orleans vs Nearby
New Orleans
$92K
Houston
$105K
-12% vs New Orleans
Milwaukee
$95K
-3% vs New Orleans
Jacksonville
$92K
+0% vs New Orleans

Free ATS scan · New Orleans employers · Results in 60 seconds

About Physical Therapists in New Orleans

Physical therapists help patients recover mobility and manage pain through evidence-based treatment plans, manual therapy, and exercise.

Core Responsibilities

  • Patient evaluation
  • Treatment planning
  • Manual therapy
  • Exercise prescription
  • Documentation

Education & Certifications

Typical path: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

In-demand certifications

DPTOCS (Orthopedic Specialist)SCS (Sports)NCS (Neurologic)

New Orleans Job Market

Major tourism and port city with strong cultural identity.

Population
376K
Cost of Living
96
vs 100 US avg
Unemployment
5%
Median Home
$285K

Top Industries in New Orleans

TourismEnergyHealthcareLogistics (Port)Education

Top Employers Hiring Physical Therapists

Major employers active in New Orleans or hiring remotely from this metro.

Hospital systems
Outpatient clinics
Sports medicine practices
Home health agencies
Schools

All major employers use ATS software.

Workday, Greenhouse, Taleo, and iCIMS auto-screen 75% of resumes before a human ever sees them. Scan your resume free to see your match rate.

2026 Hot Skills & Resume Keywords

Skills that command salary premiums and pass ATS keyword filters.

Hottest 2026 Skills

These appear in the highest-paying Physical Therapist listings.

Telehealth PTSports medicinePelvic healthManual therapy specialtyDirect access

ATS Resume Keywords

Include these naturally throughout your resume.

DPTmanual therapypatient evaluationorthopedicsports rehabilitationEMR (WebPT)evidence-based practice
Career Outlook
+14% Growth Projected (2024-2034)

PT employment projected to grow 14% — among fastest-growing health professions due to aging population.

Physical Therapist Salary Breakdown — New Orleans

PeriodEntry (25th)Median (50th)Top (90th)
Annual$69,000$91,733$119,600
Monthly$5,750$7,644$9,967
Weekly$1,327$1,764$2,300
Hourly$33$44$58

Based on 2080 working hours/year. Local figures derived from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics national median ($99,710) adjusted for New Orleans's cost-of-living multiplier (0.92×, sourced from BEA Regional Price Parities).

Physical Therapist Take-Home Pay in New Orleans

After federal, state and FICA taxes — single filer, standard deduction.

Net Annual Take-Home
$70,080.176
Per month$5,840
Biweekly paycheck$2,695
Effective tax rate23.6%

Tax Breakdown on $91,733

Gross salary$91,733
Federal income tax−$11,883.26
Louisiana state tax−$2,751.99
FICA (Social Security + Medicare)−$7,017.575
Take-home (net)$70,080.176

Estimates assume single filer, standard deduction ($14,600 for 2026), no 401(k)/HSA/dependents. Actual take-home varies with deductions, dependents, and benefits elections. Not tax advice.

Physical Therapist Salary by Experience — New Orleans

Career-stage progression for Physical Therapists in New Orleans.

ExperienceAnnual Salary
0–1 yr$66,019
2–3 yr$71,760
4–6 yr$88,780
7–10 yr$105,800
11–15 yr$124,844
15+ yr$112,700

Curve derived from BLS percentile data adjusted for New Orleans's 0.92× cost-of-living multiplier. Highlighted row = 7–10 year experienced level.

Year-Over-Year Trend

+560.0% vs 2025

2025 median:$13,899
2026 median:$91,733
Change:+$77,834

Healthcare sector growth driven by demand for Telehealth PT and Sports medicine.

Is This A Good Salary?

Solid above median

Real purchasing power lands comfortably above the national middle-class threshold once cost of living is factored in. Homeownership and meaningful retirement savings are achievable on a single income.

COL-Adjusted Purchasing Power
$95,555
Solidly middle-class on the median - manageable, but disciplined budgeting is needed to save aggressively or buy a home.

How to Negotiate Your Physical Therapist Salary in New Orleans

Walk-away anchor: $83,394 (offers below this are below market for New Orleans).

Leverage Points

  • Specialty certifications (CCRN, OCS, BCPS, FNP) command 8-15% premiums
  • Compact license / multi-state authority and willingness to float between units
  • Night, weekend, and holiday shift differentials add up to $10K-$25K annually
  • Critical-shortage specialties (ICU, ER, NICU, oncology) have the most leverage

Beyond Base Salary, Negotiate

Sign-on bonus ($10K-$30K, often $50K+ for hard-to-fill roles)Tuition reimbursement and certification stipendsLoan repayment programs (especially federal/HRSA-eligible)Shift differentials (nights +15%, weekends +10%)Relocation package and housing stipend

What To Say

"Given the current shortage in this specialty and my certifications, I'm looking for $X base plus shift differential and a sign-on bonus. What flexibility do you have on those line items?"

Anchor on $106K–$120K for experienced roles, citing New Orleans market data and your specific Telehealth PT/Sports medicine expertise.

Physical Therapist Salary FAQ — New Orleans

What is the average Physical Therapist salary in New Orleans, LA?
The average Physical Therapist salary in New Orleans is $91,733 per year as of April 2026 — $7,644/month, $1,764/week, or about $44/hour. Salaries range from $69,000 (entry, 25th percentile) up to $119,600 (experienced, 90th percentile). Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics adjusted for New Orleans's cost-of-living multiplier (0.92×).
Is $91,733 a good Physical Therapist salary in New Orleans?
Solid above median. Real purchasing power lands comfortably above the national middle-class threshold once cost of living is factored in. Homeownership and meaningful retirement savings are achievable on a single income. New Orleans's cost-of-living index is 96 (vs 100 nationally), giving $91,733 a real purchasing power of approximately $95,555 in national terms. Solidly middle-class on the median - manageable, but disciplined budgeting is needed to save aggressively or buy a home.
Can you live on $91,733 in New Orleans?
Dual-income households support a comfortable family lifestyle. Single-earner families on the median may need to compromise on neighborhood, square footage, or college savings. Aim for 28-30% of pre-tax income on rent. The classic 30% rule still works here, though housing costs are creeping up faster than wages. For New Orleans specifically (median home price $285,000), a $91,733 salary supports a comfortable lifestyle.
Is $91,733 enough for a single person in New Orleans?
A single adult in New Orleans typically needs ~$43,200 for a comfortable lifestyle (housing, food, transport, healthcare, modest savings). A $91,733 salary is well above that threshold — a single person can live comfortably with significant savings room.
Is $91,733 enough for a couple in New Orleans?
A couple (one earner) in New Orleans typically needs ~$69,120 for a comfortable lifestyle. A $91,733 salary as the sole household income is sufficient — enabling moderate housing, savings, and discretionary spending. Two earners at $91,733 each ($183,466 household) provides solid middle-class comfort.
Is $91,733 enough for a family of 4 in New Orleans?
A family of 4 (one earner) in New Orleans typically needs ~$105,600 for a comfortable middle-class lifestyle (housing for 4, childcare/school, food, healthcare, transport, savings). A $91,733 salary as the sole household income is below the comfortable threshold — most families need a second income or to live in cheaper suburbs/exurbs of New Orleans. Childcare costs in New Orleans typically run $14K-$27K per child per year.
What is the take-home pay for a Physical Therapist in New Orleans?
On a $91,733 Physical Therapist salary in New Orleans, LA, you take home approximately $70,080.176 per year ($5,840/month, $2,695 per biweekly paycheck) after taxes. Breakdown: federal $11,883.26, state $2,751.99, FICA $7,017.575. Effective tax rate: 23.6%. (Single filer, standard deduction, no other adjustments.)
How much do Physical Therapists in New Orleans earn compared to the US average?
Physical Therapists in New Orleans earn approximately 8% less than the US national median for this role ($99,710 nationally vs $91,733 in New Orleans). However, New Orleans's cost-of-living index of 96 means real purchasing power is approximately $95,555 when adjusted for local prices.
What does an entry-level Physical Therapist earn in New Orleans?
Entry-level Physical Therapists in New Orleans typically start at around $71,760 (0–2 years experience). With 5+ years, Physical Therapists earn $105,800 or more. Top earners (90th percentile) reach $119,600+, typically at senior or lead levels with specialized skills.
Did Physical Therapist salaries in New Orleans increase in 2026?
Yes — Physical Therapist salaries in New Orleans grew approximately 560.0% year-over-year, from $13,899 in 2025 to $91,733 in 2026 (+$77,834). This reflects the broader Healthcare sector's compensation trend, driven by Telehealth PT and Sports medicine demand.
What's the job outlook for Physical Therapists in New Orleans?
PT employment projected to grow 14% — among fastest-growing health professions due to aging population. New Orleans's top industries include Tourism, Energy, Healthcare, and the metro's current unemployment rate is 5% — steady demand for skilled workers.
What skills are most in demand for Physical Therapists in 2026?
The hottest 2026 skills for Physical Therapists are: Telehealth PT, Sports medicine, Pelvic health, Manual therapy specialty, Direct access. ATS systems specifically scan for these keywords. Adding them to your resume — naturally and in context — significantly improves your match rate with employers in New Orleans.
Who are the top employers hiring Physical Therapists in New Orleans?
Top employers hiring Physical Therapists in or near New Orleans include: Hospital systems, Outpatient clinics, Sports medicine practices, Home health agencies, Schools. Most use ATS software (Workday, Greenhouse, Taleo, iCIMS) to screen resumes — meaning your resume must be ATS-optimized to even get a human reader.
How do I negotiate a higher Physical Therapist salary in New Orleans?
Given the current shortage in this specialty and my certifications, I'm looking for $X base plus shift differential and a sign-on bonus. What flexibility do you have on those line items? Key leverage points for Healthcare negotiations: Specialty certifications (CCRN, OCS, BCPS, FNP) command 8-15% premiums; Compact license / multi-state authority and willingness to float between units; Night, weekend, and holiday shift differentials add up to $10K-$25K annually. Beyond base salary, negotiate for: Sign-on bonus ($10K-$30K, often $50K+ for hard-to-fill roles), Tuition reimbursement and certification stipends, Loan repayment programs (especially federal/HRSA-eligible), Shift differentials (nights +15%, weekends +10%).
How can I increase my Physical Therapist salary in New Orleans?
Three highest-leverage moves: (1) Add 2026's hot skills (Telehealth PT, Sports medicine, Pelvic health) — they command 15-30% premiums. (2) Get a recognized certification (e.g., DPT or OCS (Orthopedic Specialist)). (3) Tailor your resume to each role's keywords — CVCraft's ATS scanner shows you exactly what's missing.
What education do I need to become a Physical Therapist in New Orleans?
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is the typical path. However, New Orleans's competitive market increasingly values demonstrable skills, portfolios, and certifications alongside (or in place of) traditional degrees — particularly for Healthcare roles.

Methodology & Sources

Physical Therapist salary figures for New Orleans are computed by adjusting the BLS national median ($99,710) by New Orleans's cost-of-living multiplier of 0.92× — a composite of regional wage data and price parities. Year-over-year change (560.0%) reflects the Healthcare sector's 2025-2026 wage growth per BLS Employment Cost Index trends. Last reviewed April 28, 2026.

Data Sources

Related Roles in New Orleans

Occupational Therapist →Registered Nurse →Pharmacist →Physician →Nurse Practitioner →Dentist →

Physical Therapist Salary in Other Cities

San Antonio, TX$93KJacksonville, FL$92KColumbus, OH$97KIndianapolis, IN$93KDetroit, MI$93KMemphis, TN$88KOklahoma City, OK$88KLas Vegas, NV$95K

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