Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Tupelo, MS: $42.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Tupelo, MS runs $42.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,355 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Tupelo's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,616 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tupelo, Mississippi, the projected physical therapist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $42.96, notably lower than the national median of $50.62. This rate offers insights into part-time and per-diem opportunities within various healthcare settings, such as outpatient clinics, hospital rehabilitation units, and home health environments. For therapists working three days a week, the earnings could yield a substantial income with the ability to balance personal and professional commitments. Entry-level therapists may expect to earn around $31.82 per hour, while top earners in this field can achieve rates up to $53.49 per hour, reflecting the competitive pay structure tied to experience and specialization within the profession. These hourly figures are based on annual salary data; therefore, they provide a snapshot of potential earnings that can significantly impact lifestyle and spending power in this region.
About the Tupelo Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.82 | $254.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.82 | $302.54 |
| Median (P50) | $42.96 | $343.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.27 | $394.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.49 | $427.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tupelo
Based on $42.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.96/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tupelo, MS can expect to earn approximately $89,360 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,554. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tupelo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tupelo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,718.46 | $7,447 | $89,360 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,031.08 | $4,468 | $53,616 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $687.38 | $2,979 | $35,744 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Tupelo) | $42.96 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Chiropractor (National Avg) | $36.85 |
| Exercise Physiologist (National Avg) | $26.75 |
Physical Therapists in Tupelo, MS earn a median of $89,355 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.13% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 1.00% below the Mississippi state average of $90,258.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.96/hr = $53,616/year (purchasing power: $62,562).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,360/year (purchasing power: $104,271).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Tupelo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Tupelo grew 14.9% from $36.49/hr (2019) to $41.93/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.02/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tupelo 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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist in Tupelo
For those considering part-time positions at 24 hours a week, earnings can differ markedly from full-time work, often making the take-home pay substantially lower. A per diem physical therapist in Tupelo may command rates between $50 and $75 per hour, allowing for flexibility and a potentially higher income with selective scheduling. Travel contracts can elevate weekly earnings to $1,800-$2,800 with added stipends, attracting some therapists to this work model. Various employment settings influence hourly rates, with outpatient orthopedic clinics often providing lower pay compared to hospitals but compensating with productivity bonuses. As therapists weigh the decision between higher hourly rates without benefits against the security of a traditional job with health insurance, understanding these dynamics becomes critical. Negotiation skills can be crucial in securing favorable pay, especially in a market where higher salaries may be complemented by excellent work-life balance or comprehensive benefits.
More salary data for Tupelo, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapists in Tupelo. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Tupelo 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