Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Jackson, MS: $79,099 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Jackson, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $79,099 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jackson's local price level (BEA RPP 89.0 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $88,827 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($105,534) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the physical therapy field in Jackson, Mississippi, can expect a starting salary around $79,099, which marks a significant starting point for entry-level professionals. While this figure is lower than the city’s median annual salary of $105,534, it aligns with most local job markets for recent graduates. Over the initial 3-5 years, physical therapists can anticipate a salary progression from the entry-level threshold through the P25 figure of $87,982 towards the median as they gain experience and skills. Jackson is presently a conducive market for new physical therapy graduates, with competitive salaries that reflect both the cost of living in the area, and the demand for qualified professionals.
Career Earnings Timeline in Jackson
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 Jackson
Entry-level physical therapists in Jackson, MS typically start between $79,099 and $87,982 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $44,611 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $105,534 — 0.23% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Mississippi of $80,000 represents just 101.14% of the starting physical therapist pay ($79,099/year) in Jackson. 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 Jackson
- 1Research the Jackson market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $79,099 to $87,982, 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 Jackson, 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 Jackson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Jackson'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 Jackson is $44,611 ( 56.40%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $79,099, experienced hygienists can earn up to $123,710.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$68,460
2025 BLS Actual
$77,200
2026 Current Est.
$79,099
2019–2027 Growth
+18.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,460 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,560 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,460 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,890 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,110 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,680 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,200 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,099 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,045 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Jackson, MS grew 12.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $68,460 in 2019 to $77,200 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $81,045. New graduates entering the Jackson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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 Jackson
Employers in Jackson looking to hire entry-level physical therapists typically include large outpatient orthopedic chains, which have established structured productivity ramps for new graduates, making them a primary employer for recent DPTs. Additionally, hospital systems in the area offer residency programs that can lead to board certification, enhancing professional development and increasing potential earnings. For those considering employment in skilled nursing facilities, companies like Genesis and RehabCare often present higher starting pay opportunities. To increase salary prospects, new graduates should ensure their credentials reflect a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from a CAPTE-accredited program, pass the NPTE national exam, and obtain a state license. In the first few years, continued education, and possible board specialization, such as OCS (Orthopedic Clinical Specialist) or SCS (Sports Clinical Specialist), through residency or fellowship programs will enable therapists to enhance their market value in Mississippi’s evolving physical therapy landscape, where outpatient chains have become popular yet often compromise on initial pay in favor of productivity bonuses.
More salary data for Jackson, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Jackson. 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