Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Laurel, MS: $68,228 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Laurel, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $68,228 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Laurel's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $79,613 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($83,451) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For recent graduates entering the field of physical therapy in Laurel, Mississippi, the starting physical therapist salary is projected to hover around $68,228 in 2026. This amount is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $83,451, illustrating a clear gap that new physical therapists will need to navigate as they begin their careers. Over the first few years, there is potential for financial growth, as many newcomers can expect to move up to the 25th percentile salary of $72,677 within just a few years of employment. Overall, the job market in Laurel appears to be favorable for new graduates, given the anticipated growth trajectory of around 2.46% annually, allowing for both experience accumulation and salary advancement within this relatively stable profession.
About the Laurel Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Laurel
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 Laurel
Entry-level physical therapists in Laurel, MS typically start between $68,228 and $72,677 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $34,300 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $83,451 — 20.74% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Mississippi of $80,000 represents just 117.25% of the starting physical therapist pay ($68,228/year) in Laurel. 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 Laurel
- 1Research the Laurel market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $68,228 to $72,677, 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 Laurel, 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 Laurel for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Laurel'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 Laurel is $34,300 ( 50.27%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $68,228, experienced hygienists can earn up to $102,528.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,624
2025 BLS Actual
$66,590
2026 Current Est.
$68,228
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Laurel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,624 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,841 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,460 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,622 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,377 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,259 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,590 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,228 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,907 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Laurel, MS grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,624 in 2019 to $66,590 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $69,907. New graduates entering the Laurel job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laurel 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 Laurel
Several healthcare employers in Laurel actively recruit new graduate physical therapists. Outpatient orthopedic chains are typically the biggest employers, offering structured productivity ramps that may appeal to recent graduates eager to build their skills. Hospital systems, on the other hand, can provide residency programs that lead to valuable board certifications for early-career professionals. Skilled nursing facilities, such as Genesis and RehabCare, often offer competitive starting pay that can exceed the entry-level averages. To enhance earning potential, credentials like a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, national certification via the NPTE, and state licensure are crucial. Active participation in APTA can also provide networking opportunities and educational resources that further boost one's prospects. With a strategic approach, recent grads can realistically expect salary growth well in the first three years, enabling them to carve out successful careers in physical therapy right here in Laurel, MS.
More salary data for Laurel, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Laurel in 2026?
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Is physical therapy school worth it in Laurel?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Laurel?
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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 Laurel. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Laurel is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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