Physical Therapist Jobs in New Orleans, LA

New Orleans, Louisiana$86,400 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Physical Therapist Jobs in New Orleans

Looking for a Physical Therapist job in New Orleans? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Physical Therapist in New Orleans, LA.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

New Orleans has a strong job market for Physical Therapists. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Physical Therapist Salary in New Orleans

Entry Level
$61,200
Median
$86,400
Senior Level
$115,920

Physical Therapist salaries in New Orleans are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in New Orleans is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Patient AssessmentTreatment PlanningManual TherapyExercise PrescriptionDocumentation

Physical Therapist Job Market in New Orleans

New Orleans, LA is a major regional employment hub for Physical Therapist professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, New Orleans offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. The city's strong Tourism and Energy sectors create robust demand for Physical Therapist talent. The market for Physical Therapist positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Physical Therapists in New Orleans

Ochsner HealthLCMC HealthTulane Medical Center

Major employers hiring Physical Therapists in New Orleans include Ochsner Health, LCMC Health, Tulane Medical Center. With major hospital systems and research institutions, New Orleans offers excellent opportunities for healthcare professionals at all career stages. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Physical Therapists in New Orleans

Living in New Orleans as a Physical Therapist means navigating a cost of living that's close to the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,400/month (22% below the national average). At median Physical Therapist salary, housing is quite affordable at 19% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $1,100/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

96
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.4K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 2
Market Size

Commuting as a Physical Therapist in New Orleans

New Orleans Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Physical Therapists in New Orleans: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Physical Therapist professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Louisiana

Louisiana has moderate state income taxes. When evaluating offers, consider total compensation including benefits, not just base salary. Local cost of living typically has more impact on your finances than state tax differences.

Career Outlook for Physical Therapists

The job outlook for Physical Therapists in New Orleans is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. New Orleans's growing economy creates new positions regularly, often with less competition than coastal tech hubs. In-demand skills include Patient Assessment, Treatment Planning, Manual Therapy, Exercise Prescription.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Physical Therapist salary in New Orleans, LA?

The average Physical Therapist salary in New Orleans, LA is $86,400 per year. Entry-level Physical Therapists typically start around $61,200, while experienced professionals can earn $115,920 or more. The national average for Physical Therapist roles is $90,000.

How many Physical Therapist jobs are available in New Orleans?

New Orleans has a strong job market with regular openings for Physical Therapist professionals. Major employers hiring Physical Therapists include Ochsner Health, LCMC Health, Tulane Medical Center. The Tourism and Energy sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is New Orleans a good city for Physical Therapists?

New Orleans is an very good choice for Physical Therapists. As a major metro area, it offers abundant opportunities and competitive salaries. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's tourism industry creates strong demand for healthcare professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Physical Therapists in New Orleans?

Top skills for Physical Therapists in New Orleans include Patient Assessment, Treatment Planning, Manual Therapy, Exercise Prescription, Documentation. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Physical Therapists in New Orleans?

New Orleans's cost of living is near the national average (96% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,400/month. Purchasing power in New Orleans is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Physical Therapists in New Orleans?

New Orleans Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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