Physical Therapist Pay

Hernando vs Jackson: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

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

Hernando, MS
$84,943
$40.84/hr
Jackson, MS
$105,534
$50.74/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHernando, MSJackson, MS
Median Salary$84,943$105,534
Hourly Rate$40.84$50.74
Entry Level (P10)$64,394$79,099
25th Percentile$73,910$87,982
75th Percentile$98,932$110,575
Top Earner (P90)$107,377$123,710
Total Employed6520
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Hernando ($84,943) and Jackson ($105,534) physical therapist salaries.HernandoJacksonMedian Salary$84,943$105,534Entry Level (P10)$64,394$79,099Top Earner (P90)$107,377$123,710US Median $105,288

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Hernando and Jackson is $20,591 (24.24%). Jackson's median is +0.23% compared to the US national median of $105,288.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hernando spans $42,983,Jackson spans $44,611. Jackson has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.

Hernando
P10 (Entry)$64,394
P25$73,910
Median$84,943
P75$98,932
P90 (Top)$107,377
Jackson
P10 (Entry)$79,099
P25$87,982
Median$105,534
P75$110,575
P90 (Top)$123,710

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Jackson ($118,514 effective) pays 19.57% more than Hernando ($99,117 effective).

Hernando
Nominal: $84,943
CoL Index: 85.7
Adjusted: $99,117
Jackson
Nominal: $105,534
CoL Index: 89.048
Adjusted: $118,514

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Hernando if…

  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Choose Jackson if…

  • Higher median salary ($105,534/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($123,710)
  • Larger job market (520 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $118,514)
  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Hernando grew 14.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.6% growth in Jackson over the same period.

Hernando, MS

+14.2%

$72,610 (2024) → $82,904 (2025)

Jackson, MS

+15.6%

$89,110 (2019) → $103,000 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Hernando or Jackson?

Jackson has a higher median physical therapist salary at $105,534/year, compared to Hernando at $84,943/year — a difference of $20,591 (24.24%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Hernando and Jackson?

Hernando physical therapists earn $40.84/hr while Jackson hygienists earn $50.74/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Hernando to Jackson as a physical therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Hernando and Jackson. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Hernando = $99,117, Jackson = $118,514), job availability (6 vs 520 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Hernando vs Jackson?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $64,394 in Hernando and $79,099 in Jackson. The Jackson area offers higher starting salaries.
AM

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