Baton Rouge vs Natchitoches: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Baton Rouge, LA and Natchitoches, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baton Rouge, LA | Natchitoches, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,008▲ | $128,131 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.91▲ | $61.60 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,816 | $103,804▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $106,823 | $119,769▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $143,336 | $146,848▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $163,566 | $170,466▲ |
| Total Employed | 360▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Baton Rouge, LA offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Natchitoches.
The salary gap between Baton Rouge and Natchitoches is $6,877 (5.37%). Baton Rouge's median is -3.83% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baton Rouge spans $106,750,Natchitoches spans $66,662. Baton Rouge has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Baton Rouge ($148,720 effective) pays 4.81% more than Natchitoches ($141,895 effective).
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 ($135,008/year)
- ✓Larger job market (360 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $148,720)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Natchitoches if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($170,466)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Baton Rouge grew 51.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.8% growth in Natchitoches over the same period.
Baton Rouge, LA
$86,110 (2019) → $130,670 (2025)
Natchitoches, LA
$97,040 (2024) → $124,014 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baton Rouge, LA
Natchitoches, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Baton Rouge or Natchitoches?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baton Rouge and Natchitoches?
Should I relocate from Baton Rouge to Natchitoches as a physician assistant?
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Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov