Baton Rouge vs Lake Charles: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Baton Rouge, LA and Lake Charles, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baton Rouge, LA | Lake Charles, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,326▲ | $66,312 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.85▲ | $31.88 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $24,881▲ | $22,005 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,397▲ | $33,778 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,804 | $79,369▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,239▲ | $80,777 |
| Total Employed | 290▲ | 100 |
Verdict
Baton Rouge, LA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lake Charles.
The salary gap between Baton Rouge and Lake Charles is $2,014 (3.04%). Baton Rouge's median is -2.73% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baton Rouge spans $56,358,Lake Charles spans $58,772. Lake Charles has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lake Charles ($77,240 effective) pays 2.62% more than Baton Rouge ($75,265 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Baton Rouge if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,326/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,239)
- ✓Larger job market (290 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Lake Charles if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,240)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Baton Rouge grew 50.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 49.4% growth in Lake Charles over the same period.
Baton Rouge, LA
$44,250 (2019) → $66,510 (2025)
Lake Charles, LA
$43,200 (2019) → $64,550 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baton Rouge, LA
Lake Charles, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Baton Rouge or Lake Charles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baton Rouge and Lake Charles?
Should I relocate from Baton Rouge to Lake Charles as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Baton Rouge vs Lake Charles?
Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov