Physical Therapist Pay

Brandon vs Gulfport: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist salaries between Brandon, MS and Gulfport, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Brandon, MS
$85,995
$41.34/hr
Gulfport, MS
$104,376
$50.18/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBrandon, MSGulfport, MS
Median Salary$85,995$104,376
Hourly Rate$41.34$50.18
Entry Level (P10)$67,579$76,476
25th Percentile$73,583$84,714
75th Percentile$101,669$111,231
Top Earner (P90)$112,054$129,673
Total Employed6310
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Brandon ($85,995) and Gulfport ($104,376) physical therapist salaries.BrandonGulfportMedian Salary$85,995$104,376Entry Level (P10)$67,579$76,476Top Earner (P90)$112,054$129,673US Median $105,288

Verdict

Gulfport, MS offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Brandon.

The salary gap between Brandon and Gulfport is $18,381 (21.37%). Gulfport's median is -0.87% compared to the US national median of $105,288.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brandon spans $44,475,Gulfport spans $53,197. Gulfport has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.

Brandon
P10 (Entry)$67,579
P25$73,583
Median$85,995
P75$101,669
P90 (Top)$112,054
Gulfport
P10 (Entry)$76,476
P25$84,714
Median$104,376
P75$111,231
P90 (Top)$129,673

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Gulfport ($115,966 effective) pays 15.57% more than Brandon ($100,344 effective).

Brandon
Nominal: $85,995
CoL Index: 85.7
Adjusted: $100,344
Gulfport
Nominal: $104,376
CoL Index: 90.006
Adjusted: $115,966

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Brandon if…

  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Choose Gulfport if…

  • Higher median salary ($104,376/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($129,673)
  • Larger job market (310 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,966)
  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Brandon grew 14.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.2% growth in Gulfport over the same period.

Brandon, MS

+14.2%

$73,508 (2024) → $83,930 (2025)

Gulfport, MS

+30.2%

$78,240 (2019) → $101,870 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Brandon or Gulfport?

Gulfport has a higher median physical therapist salary at $104,376/year, compared to Brandon at $85,995/year — a difference of $18,381 (21.37%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Brandon and Gulfport?

Brandon physical therapists earn $41.34/hr while Gulfport hygienists earn $50.18/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Brandon to Gulfport as a physical therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Brandon and Gulfport. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Brandon = $100,344, Gulfport = $115,966), job availability (6 vs 310 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Brandon vs Gulfport?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $67,579 in Brandon and $76,476 in Gulfport. The Gulfport area offers higher starting salaries.
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Written by Alex Morgan, DPT

Career Analyst

Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.

Clinically reviewed by Jordan Lee, DPTData verified by Maria Garcia, DPT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% 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 Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov