PT Assistant Salary

Baton Rouge vs Sulphur: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Baton Rouge, LA and Sulphur, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Baton Rouge, LA
$68,326
$32.85/hr
Sulphur, LA
$61,760
$29.69/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBaton Rouge, LASulphur, LA
Median Salary$68,326$61,760
Hourly Rate$32.85$29.69
Entry Level (P10)$24,881$47,037
25th Percentile$42,397$56,091
75th Percentile$78,804$68,952
Top Earner (P90)$81,239$75,654
Total Employed2905
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Baton Rouge ($68,326) and Sulphur ($61,760) physical therapist assistant salaries.Baton RougeSulphurMedian Salary$68,326$61,760Entry Level (P10)$24,881$47,037Top Earner (P90)$81,239$75,654US Median $70,247

Verdict

Baton Rouge, LA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sulphur.

The salary gap between Baton Rouge and Sulphur is $6,566 (10.63%). 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,Sulphur spans $28,617. Baton Rouge has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Baton Rouge
P10 (Entry)$24,881
P25$42,397
Median$68,326
P75$78,804
P90 (Top)$81,239
Sulphur
P10 (Entry)$47,037
P25$56,091
Median$61,760
P75$68,952
P90 (Top)$75,654

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Baton Rouge ($75,265 effective) pays 10.05% more than Sulphur ($68,394 effective).

Baton Rouge
Nominal: $68,326
CoL Index: 90.78
Adjusted: $75,265
Sulphur
Nominal: $61,760
CoL Index: 90.3
Adjusted: $68,394

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)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,265)
  • You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle

Choose Sulphur if…

  • 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 16.1% growth in Sulphur over the same period.

Baton Rouge, LA

+50.3%

$44,250 (2019) → $66,510 (2025)

Sulphur, LA

+16.1%

$51,770 (2024) → $60,119 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Baton Rouge or Sulphur?

Baton Rouge has a higher median physical therapist assistant salary at $68,326/year, compared to Sulphur at $61,760/year — a difference of $6,566 (10.63%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Baton Rouge and Sulphur?

Baton Rouge physical therapist assistants earn $32.85/hr while Sulphur hygienists earn $29.69/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Baton Rouge to Sulphur as a physical therapist assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Baton Rouge and Sulphur. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Baton Rouge = $75,265, Sulphur = $68,394), job availability (290 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Baton Rouge vs Sulphur?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapist assistants earn $24,881 in Baton Rouge and $47,037 in Sulphur. The Sulphur area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, PTAData verified by Ahmed Khan, DPT

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