Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Pearl, MS: $59,632 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Pearl, MS earns a median $59,632/year (≈ $28.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Pearl's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $69,582 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pearl, Mississippi, the projected median annual salary for a physical therapist assistant is $59,632 for 2026, reflecting a notable contrast when compared to the national median of $70,247. Salaries in this field range from $42,524 at the 10th percentile to $73,926 at the 90th percentile, providing ample opportunity for financial growth within the profession. These figures are derived from BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional cost of living, which is notably lower in Pearl at an index of 85.7. Understanding these salary dynamics is crucial for both current students and professionals considering the PTA-to-DPT bridge pathway, as it can significantly influence lifetime earnings and career decisions in the local job market.
About the Pearl Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,524 | $20.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,401 | $25.19 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,632 | $28.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,746 | $32.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73,926 | $35.54 |
Median Salary Position
15.11% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pearl
In Pearl, MS, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,402 (2026 est.). At $59,632, the local median is 15.11% below the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Pearl: You'd be above the median
How Pearl Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Pearl median: $59,632/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pearl Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $60,173 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -15.11% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Pearl, MS earn a median of $59,632 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.11% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 0.90% below the Mississippi state average of $60,173.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pearl has a cost of living 14.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pearl, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $59,632 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $69,582 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,906
2025 BLS Actual
$58,047
2026 Current Est.
$59,632
2019–2027 Growth
+22.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Pearl (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,906 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,738 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,935 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,285 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,397 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,933 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,047 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,632 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,260 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pearl metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $49,906 (2019) to $58,047 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,260 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,354 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pearl 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $42,524 – $52,401 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,401 – $59,632 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,632 – $66,746 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,746 – $73,926 |
PTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Assistant Job Market in Pearl
With only six physical therapist assistants employed in Pearl, the local job market is relatively small yet specialized. The cost of living index indicates that residents face lower living expenses, which can enhance overall purchasing power. Among local employers, outpatient orthopedic clinics often offer the highest salaries due to the private sector's competitive nature, followed by skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies. However, recent changes like the 15% Medicare cut have influenced pay structures across the board, particularly in settings heavily reliant on Medicare. To optimize salary potential in Pearl, PTAs should consider gaining experience in high-demand areas, pursuing continuing education to meet supervisory requirements, and exploring opportunities in environments that offer additional pay for weekend or PRN shifts. This strategic approach can significantly affect take-home pay for physical therapist assistants in Pearl, MS.
More salary data for Pearl, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Pearl, MS in 2026?
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Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Pearl?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $58,047 for physical therapist assistantsin the Pearl metropolitan area. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pearl is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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