Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Shreveport, LA: $28,446 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Shreveport, LA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $28,446 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Shreveport's local price level (BEA RPP 84.8 — 15% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $33,558 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($68,367) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Shreveport, the starting physical therapist assistant salary is projected to be around $28,446 in 2026, providing a clear entry point for new graduates seeking employment in this growing field. When compared to the median annual salary of $68,367 for physical therapist assistants in the area, it's evident that entry-level positions might feel like a significant gap to overcome initially. Over the first few years, as new PTAs gain experience and possibly move up to $58,053 at the 25th percentile, the trajectory looks promising with annual growth rates of approximately 2.73%. For recent graduates focusing on physical therapist assistant roles in Shreveport, the local job market offers various opportunities, helping to create a balanced outlook for their early careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Shreveport
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Shreveport
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Shreveport, LA typically start between $28,446 and $58,053 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $55,299 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $68,367 — 2.68% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Louisiana of $13,000 represents just 45.70% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($28,446/year) in Shreveport. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school programs.
PTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Shreveport
- 1Research the Shreveport market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $28,446 to $58,053, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in LA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Shreveport, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Shreveport for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Shreveport's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Assistant Compensation Range
The physical therapist assistant wage spread in Shreveport is $55,299 ( 194.40%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $28,446, experienced hygienists can earn up to $83,745.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$25,040
2025 BLS Actual
$27,690
2026 Current Est.
$28,446
2019–2027 Growth
+16.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Shreveport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25,040 | Actual |
| 2020 | $26,840 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,550 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,480 | Actual |
| 2023 | $28,370 | Actual |
| 2024 | $23,020 | Actual |
| 2025 | $27,690 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28,446 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29,223 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Shreveport, LA grew 10.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $25,040 in 2019 to $27,690 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $29,223. New graduates entering the Shreveport job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Shreveport metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.73% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Shreveport
Many employers in Shreveport actively recruit new graduates, with outpatient chains and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) leading the way. These facilities typically value fresh talent to fill their ranks, while home health agencies often prefer candidates with previous clinic experience. To enhance starting pay in Louisiana, it's essential for PTAs to have an associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, successfully pass the NPTAE national exam, and obtain their state PTA license. Additionally, pursuing advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can set candidates apart. Given the recent 15% cut in Medicare Part B reimbursement for services provided by PTAs, which has impacted salary ceilings significantly in heavily-Medicare-reliant settings, it's wise for new professionals to seek employment in diverse environments to ensure steady salary growth. Realistically, PTAs can expect gradual salary increases each year, especially by enhancing their skills and adapting to market demands.
More salary data for Shreveport, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Shreveport in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Shreveport?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Shreveport?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Shreveport?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Louisiana?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Shreveport. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.73%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapist assistants (SOC 31-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov