The Complete Career Guide for Physical Therapists in Shreveport, LA

If you're a Physical Therapist (PT) weighing a move to Shreveport, you're looking at a city where your skills are in demand, the cost of living is forgiving, and the pace of life is distinctly Southern. As a local who has watched the healthcare landscape evolve here, I can tell you this is a city where you can build a stable career without the crushing financial pressures of larger metros. This guide is built on hard data and local insight to give you a clear, unvarnished look at what your life as a PT in Shreveport would actually look like.

The Salary Picture: Where Shreveport Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers. As of the latest data, the median salary for a Physical Therapist in the Shreveport-Bossier City metro area is $95,851 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.08. This sits slightly below the national average of $99,710/year, but the trade-off is a significantly lower cost of living. The job market is modest but steady, with approximately 354 jobs available in the metro area. Looking ahead, the 10-year job growth projection for PTs in Louisiana is 14%, which is stronger than the national average for many professions and indicates sustained demand.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Shreveport area. These are estimates based on local job postings and industry trends.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes for Shreveport
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$78,000 - $88,000	Often started in hospital systems (like Ochsner LSU Health) or large outpatient clinics. New grads may need to be flexible on setting.
Mid-Career (3-9 years)	$90,000 - $105,000	This is where most practicing PTs land. Specialization (e.g., ortho, neuro) begins to pay dividends.
Senior (10-19 years)	$100,000 - $115,000	Often involves leadership, clinic management, or highly specialized roles (e.g., pelvic health, vestibular rehab).
Expert (20+ years)	$110,000 - $125,000+	Typically seen in private practice ownership, director-level positions at major hospitals, or academia.

How Shreveport Compares to Other Louisiana Cities

Shreveport offers a unique value proposition within Louisiana. While cities like New Orleans and Baton Rouge have higher salaries, they also come with a much higher cost of living and, in NOLA's case, a uniquely competitive and expensive housing market. Here's a quick comparison:

City	Median PT Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	1BR Rent (Avg)
Shreveport	$95,851	87.1	$927
New Orleans	~$102,000	~110	$1,400+
Baton Rouge	~$98,000	~95	$1,100+

Local Insight: The salary-to-cost-of-living ratio is Shreveport's biggest financial advantage. You can often achieve a higher quality of life here on a similar or even slightly lower salary than in larger cities.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Understanding your net income is crucial. Let's model a monthly budget for a single PT earning the median salary of $95,851. (Note: All figures are estimates; actual take-home pay varies based on deductions like health insurance, retirement contributions, and state/local taxes.)

Assumptions:

• Gross Annual Salary: $95,851
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): 24% ($22,954)
• Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$5,991

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Housing (1BR Apartment)	$927 - $1,100	A decent, modern 1BR in a safe area like South Highland or Broadmoor.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Internet)	$200 - $275	Summers are hot, so AC costs run high.
Groceries & Household	$400 - $500	Shreveport has several good grocery chains (Rouses, Brookshire's) and farmers markets.
Transportation (Car Payment/Gas/Insurance)	$500 - $700	Essential. Public transit is limited; owning a car is a necessity.
Health Insurance (if not covered)	$200 - $400	Varies widely by employer. Many major hospitals offer good plans.
Student Loans / Savings / Discretionary	$1,200 - $1,500	This is where you have real flexibility.
Total Estimated Expenses	$3,427 - $4,375	Leaves a significant cushion for savings, debt, or fun.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?

Yes, absolutely. Shreveport's housing market is one of its most attractive features for professionals. The median home price in the Shreveport-Bossier metro is approximately $215,000 (as of late 2023). On a $95,851 salary, a standard 20% down payment ($43,000) is a stretch but achievable with savings and budgeting. With a smaller down payment (3.5% for an FHA loan, ~$7,500), homeownership becomes accessible much sooner. A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $215,000 home would likely be in the $1,300 - $1,500 range, which is manageable for a mid-career PT earning the median salary.

Where the Jobs Are: Shreveport's Major Employers

Shreveport's healthcare sector is its economic engine. The job market for PTs is centered around a few major systems and specialized clinics. Hiring is generally steady, with occasional spikes related to new clinic openings or expansions.

1. Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport: The largest and most prominent employer. This is a major academic health system combining a Level 1 trauma center and a teaching hospital. They have a consistent need for PTs in acute care, inpatient rehab, and outpatient orthopedics. Insider Tip: Getting your foot in the door here is competitive but offers unparalleled experience and benefits. Networking with clinical faculty during clinicals or residencies is key.
2. Willis-Knighton Health System: A massive, privately-owned system with multiple hospitals and clinics. They are a major competitor to Ochsner LSU and have a strong outpatient physical therapy presence. They often hire for their orthopedic and sports medicine centers.
3. CHRISTUS Health: Operates several facilities in the region, including CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Shreveport. They have a growing network of outpatient rehab clinics and value therapists with a strong patient-outcome focus.
4. Baptist Health: Another key player in the market, with a focus on community-based care. Their outpatient PT clinics serve a broad patient population and often have openings for general orthopedic PTs.
5. Specialized Outpatient Clinics (e.g., Therapy South, Integrated Physical Therapy): These private, regional clinics offer a different pace. They often provide more one-on-one time, a strong focus on manual therapy, and a closer-knit team environment. Salaries can be competitive, and bonuses are sometimes tied to productivity.
6. Schools & Pediatrics: The Caddo Parish and Bossier Parish School Districts employ PTs for early intervention and school-based therapy. This is a niche with consistent demand, though salaries may be slightly lower than in acute care.
7. Home Health Agencies: Companies like AccentCare and Amada Senior Care are always looking for PTs willing to travel to patient homes. This offers flexibility but requires strong self-motivation and time management.

Getting Licensed in Louisiana

Practicing as a PT in Louisiana requires strict adherence to state regulations. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

Requirements:

1. Education: A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program.
2. Examination: Passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
3. State Licensure: Apply to the Louisiana Physical Therapy Board (LPTB). You must submit your NPTE score, DPT transcripts, and complete a background check.
4. Jurisprudence Exam: Louisiana requires a state-specific jurisprudence exam on its practice act and rules.
5. Continuing Education: Once licensed, you must complete 12 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain your license.

Costs & Timeline:

• NPTE Fee: ~$485 (one-time).
• LPTB Application Fee: ~$200 (current as of 2023, check LPTB website for updates).
• Jurisprudence Exam Fee: ~$75.
• Background Check: ~$50.
• Total Estimated Cost (excluding education): $810 - $850.
• Timeline: From submitting your application to receiving your license, plan for 6-10 weeks. If you are an out-of-state applicant, the process may take slightly longer. Pro Tip: Apply for your Louisiana license before you move, as you cannot legally practice without it.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Where you live in Shreveport will define your commute and daily life. Traffic is generally manageable, but living near your job cluster is ideal. Here are four neighborhoods that offer a great balance for PTs.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Best For...
South Highland	Upscale, historic, tree-lined. Close to Ochsner LSU Health and Willis-Knighton hospitals. Walkable to coffee shops and restaurants.	$1,000 - $1,300	Hospital PTs. A 5-10 minute commute to most major medical centers. High walkability.
Broadmoor	Quiet, family-oriented, charming bungalows. Safe and stable. A short drive to the hospitals and shopping at the Shreveport-Bossier City metro area.	$900 - $1,100	Balance seekers. Good for those who want a quiet home life but easy access to work.
Highland Corridor	Trendy, artsy, and diverse. Home to the Highland arts district with galleries and unique eateries. Commute to hospitals is 10-15 minutes.	$850 - $1,100	Younger PTs or those seeking a vibrant social scene. More apartments and rentals available.
Bossier City (East Bank)	Just across the Red River from downtown Shreveport. More modern apartment complexes, lower property taxes, and a faster-growing commercial sector. Commute is 10-20 minutes.	$900 - $1,150	New grads and families. Often more apartment options for the price, and a straightforward commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A career in Shreveport isn't stagnant. The path to advancement often involves specialization and moving into leadership or private practice.

Specialty Premiums: While national data on specialty pay varies, in Shreveport, PTs with advanced certifications (OCS, SCS, NCS) often command 10-15% higher salaries than generalist PTs. The most valued specialties here are:

• Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS): High demand in outpatient clinics.
• Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS): Critical for inpatient rehab and neuro clinics.
• Pelvic Health Specialist: An emerging, high-demand field with a growing patient base.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Specialist: Become the go-to expert in a niche (e.g., vestibular rehab, pelvic floor).
2. Clinic Manager/Director: Oversee operations at a single clinic or a small network.
3. Private Practice Owner: Shreveport has room for niche practices (e.g., sports performance, women's health). The lower overhead compared to major cities makes this a viable long-term goal.
4. Academia/Research: With Ochsner LSU Health's academic affiliation, opportunities exist for PTs interested in teaching or clinical research, though these are more limited.

10-Year Outlook: The 14% job growth projection is encouraging. An aging population and a focus on outpatient care will drive demand. The key to long-term growth will be developing a niche or moving into management, as salaries for generalist PTs may plateau near the median.

The Verdict: Is Shreveport Right for You?

Making the decision to move requires weighing the pros and cons specific to your career and lifestyle.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further, making homeownership and financial stability achievable.	Limited Cultural Amenities: While improving, Shreveport lacks the theater, dining, and music scene of New Orleans or Austin.
Strong Demand & Job Stability: The healthcare sector is the city's economic backbone, with multiple large employers.	Car-Dependent City: Public transportation is poor; you'll need a reliable vehicle.
Manageable Commute: Traffic is minimal compared to larger metros. You can live close to work.	Economic Diversification: The economy is heavily tied to healthcare and energy; downturns in these sectors can be felt.
Southern Hospitality & Pace: The lifestyle is generally slower and more community-focused.	Professional Networking: The PT community is smaller; national conferences are key for broader networking.
Great for Outdoor Lovers: The Red River, nearby lakes, and parks offer good outdoor recreation.	Weather: Summers are long, hot, and humid. Winters are mild but can occasionally freeze.
	State Licensing & Taxes: Louisiana has a state income tax and requires specific steps for licensure.

Final Recommendation: Shreveport is an excellent choice for Physical Therapists who prioritize financial stability, a manageable pace of life, and a strong demand for their skills. It is particularly well-suited for:

• New grads looking to tackle student debt while building a solid clinical foundation.
• Mid-career PTs seeking a better work-life balance and a path to homeownership.
• Specialists looking to establish a niche in a supportive market.

It may be less ideal for those who crave a fast-paced, high-energy urban environment with endless entertainment options and are willing to pay a premium for it.

FAQs

1. Is it easy to find a job as a new graduate PT in Shreveport?
Yes, but it's competitive. The major hospital systems (Ochsner LSU, Willis-Knighton) have structured new grad programs, but spots are limited. To stand out, complete a clinical rotation in the area if possible, network with local PTs, and be open to starting in acute care or home health before moving into your preferred outpatient setting.

2. What is the state income tax situation in Louisiana?
Louisiana has a progressive state income tax. Rates range from 1.85% to 4.25% for single filers, with a standard deduction. On a $95,851 salary, you can expect to pay approximately $4,000 - $5,000 in state income tax annually. This is lower than many states but higher than states with no income tax.

3. Are there opportunities for PRN or part-time work?
Absolutely. Given the large hospital systems and multiple clinics, PRN (as-needed) work is commonly available. This is a great way to supplement your income, gain experience in different settings, or transition back into the workforce. Many therapists work PRN at one hospital system while holding a full-time position at another.

4. How does the PT community feel in Shreveport?
The community is tight-knit. There are local chapters of the Louisiana Physical Therapy Association (LPTA) for continuing education and networking. While smaller than in major metros, the community is supportive. Attending local CEU events is a great way to connect with colleagues and learn about job openings before they're advertised.

5. What's the best way to prepare for a move?
First, secure your Louisiana PT license. Second, connect with recruiters at the major hospital systems on LinkedIn. Third, consider a short-term rental or extended-stay hotel for your first month to explore neighborhoods before committing to a lease. Finally, be patient—the pace of hiring can sometimes be slower than in larger cities, but the opportunities are there for prepared candidates.