PT Assistant Salary

Shreveport vs Zachary: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)

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

Shreveport, LA
$68,367
$32.87/hr
Zachary, LA
$62,117
$29.86/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricShreveport, LAZachary, LA
Median Salary$68,367$62,117
Hourly Rate$32.87$29.86
Entry Level (P10)$28,446$47,841
25th Percentile$58,053$56,851
75th Percentile$77,869$67,512
Top Earner (P90)$83,745$78,735
Total Employed1806
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Shreveport ($68,367) and Zachary ($62,117) physical therapist assistant salaries.ShreveportZacharyMedian Salary$68,367$62,117Entry Level (P10)$28,446$47,841Top Earner (P90)$83,745$78,735US Median $70,247

Verdict

Shreveport, LA offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Zachary.

The salary gap between Shreveport and Zachary is $6,250 (10.06%). Shreveport's median is -2.68% compared to the US national median of $70,247.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Shreveport spans $55,299,Zachary spans $30,894. Shreveport has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Shreveport
P10 (Entry)$28,446
P25$58,053
Median$68,367
P75$77,869
P90 (Top)$83,745
Zachary
P10 (Entry)$47,841
P25$56,851
Median$62,117
P75$67,512
P90 (Top)$78,735

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Shreveport ($80,654 effective) pays 17.25% more than Zachary ($68,790 effective).

Shreveport
Nominal: $68,367
CoL Index: 84.766
Adjusted: $80,654
Zachary
Nominal: $62,117
CoL Index: 90.3
Adjusted: $68,790

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Shreveport if…

  • Higher median salary ($68,367/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($83,745)
  • Larger job market (180 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,654)
  • You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle

Choose Zachary if…

  • You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Shreveport grew 13.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.1% growth in Zachary over the same period.

Shreveport, LA

+13.4%

$58,670 (2019) → $66,550 (2025)

Zachary, LA

+16.1%

$52,069 (2024) → $60,466 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Shreveport or Zachary?

Shreveport has a higher median physical therapist assistant salary at $68,367/year, compared to Zachary at $62,117/year — a difference of $6,250 (10.06%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Shreveport and Zachary?

Shreveport physical therapist assistants earn $32.87/hr while Zachary hygienists earn $29.86/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Shreveport to Zachary as a physical therapist assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Shreveport and Zachary. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Shreveport = $80,654, Zachary = $68,790), job availability (180 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Shreveport vs Zachary?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapist assistants earn $28,446 in Shreveport and $47,841 in Zachary. The Zachary 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