Jackson vs Starkville: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Jackson, MS and Starkville, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jackson, MS | Starkville, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,534▲ | $87,745 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.74▲ | $42.18 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,099▲ | $64,889 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,982▲ | $77,218 |
| 75th Percentile | $110,575▲ | $100,694 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $123,710▲ | $109,010 |
| Total Employed | 520▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Jackson, MS offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Starkville.
The salary gap between Jackson and Starkville is $17,789 (20.27%). 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 Jackson spans $44,611,Starkville spans $44,121. Jackson 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, Jackson ($118,514 effective) pays 15.75% more than Starkville ($102,386 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Starkville if…
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Jackson grew 15.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.2% growth in Starkville over the same period.
Jackson, MS
$89,110 (2019) → $103,000 (2025)
Starkville, MS
$75,005 (2024) → $85,638 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jackson, MS
Starkville, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Jackson or Starkville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jackson and Starkville?
Should I relocate from Jackson to Starkville as a physical therapist?
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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.
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