Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Hattiesburg, MS: $75,001 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Hattiesburg, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,001 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hattiesburg's local price level (BEA RPP 87.6 — 12% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $85,585 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,980) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the physical therapy field in Hattiesburg, MS, can expect to start their careers with salaries around $75,001, which is considerably lower than the city's median annual physical therapist salary of $99,980. This entry-level pay reflects a common trend where young professionals typically earn less as they establish their experience and expertise in the profession. Over the initial three to five years, there is potential for salary growth as new therapists advance through levels from the 25th percentile ($83,812) to the city's median. The job market in Hattiesburg appears promising for fresh DPT graduates, aligning with a favorable growth rate of 2.46% annually for the profession, indicating that new hires can expect increased demand for their skills as they progress into the workforce.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hattiesburg
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hattiesburg
Entry-level physical therapists in Hattiesburg, MS typically start between $75,001 and $83,812 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,443 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,980 — 5.04% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Mississippi of $80,000 represents just 106.67% of the starting physical therapist pay ($75,001/year) in Hattiesburg. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. Tuition varies substantially between public in-state DPT programs and private institutions; most programs require a prerequisite bachelor's degree.
PT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Hattiesburg
- 1Research the Hattiesburg market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $75,001 to $83,812, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hattiesburg, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Hattiesburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hattiesburg's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Compensation Range
The physical therapist wage spread in Hattiesburg is $43,443 ( 57.92%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,001, experienced hygienists can earn up to $118,444.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$71,570
2025 BLS Actual
$73,200
2026 Current Est.
$75,001
2019–2027 Growth
+7.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Hattiesburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,570 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,710 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,150 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,850 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,120 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,000 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,200 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,001 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,846 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Hattiesburg, MS grew 2.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $71,570 in 2019 to $73,200 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $76,846. New graduates entering the Hattiesburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hattiesburg 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 2.46% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Hattiesburg
Employment opportunities for newly graduated physical therapists in Hattiesburg exist predominantly within outpatient orthopedic chains, which are known to have structured productivity models. Employers such as ATI, Select Medical, and Athletico often prefer recent DPT graduates, offering a solid foundation for career advancement. Hospital systems frequently present residency programs aimed at board certification, giving early-career professionals avenues to enhance their credentials and increase their earning potential. Moreover, skilled nursing facility rehab firms like Genesis and RehabCare can offer competitive starting pay compared to outpatient settings. Essential qualifications, such as obtaining a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from a CAPTE-accredited program and passing the NPTE, are crucial for securing roles in this competitive job market. After entering the workforce, new grads should aim for continued education and consider residency or fellowship options in specialization areas (OCS, SCS) as they strive to enhance their earning capabilities within the first few years.
More salary data for Hattiesburg, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Hattiesburg in 2026?
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Is physical therapy school worth it in Hattiesburg?
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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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Hattiesburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.46%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapists (SOC 29-1123).
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov