Physical Therapist Salary in Tupelo, MS: $89,355 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Tupelo, MS earns a median $89,355/year (≈ $42.96/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Tupelo's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $104,265 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tupelo, Mississippi, the anticipated median annual salary for physical therapists in 2026 is projected to be $89,355, which is significantly below the national average of $105,288, highlighting a 15.13% gap. The pay range for this profession in the area extends from $66,198 at the 10th percentile to as high as $111,261 at the 90th percentile. These figures were derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost characteristics. The local job market offers a mix of opportunities across various settings, including outpatient chains, hospital systems, and skilled nursing facilities. Each type of employer generally has different pay structures, which can influence overall compensation for physical therapists in Tupelo.
About the Tupelo Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,198 | $31.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $78,653 | $37.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $89,355 | $42.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102,492 | $49.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111,261 | $53.49 |
Median Salary Position
15.13% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tupelo
In Tupelo, MS, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,063 (2026 est.). At $89,355, the local median is 15.13% below the national median of $105,288.
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At 40 hours/week in Tupelo: You'd be above the median
How Tupelo Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Tupelo median: $89,355/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tupelo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $90,258 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -15.13% less |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tupelo has a cost of living 14.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tupelo, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $89,355 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $104,265 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$75,906
2025 BLS Actual
$87,210
2026 Current Est.
$89,355
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Tupelo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,906 | Actual |
| 2020 | $77,238 | Actual |
| 2021 | $81,150 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,933 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,622 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,381 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,210 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,355 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,554 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tupelo metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $75,906 (2019) to $87,210 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $91,554 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,648 (20.61%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $66,198 – $78,653 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $78,653 – $89,355 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $89,355 – $102,492 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $102,492 – $111,261 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Tupelo
The strength of the job market in Tupelo is reflected in the fact that there are currently 7 physical therapists employed in the area. With a relatively low cost of living index of 85.7, professionals often find that their take-home pay stretches further than it might in more expensive areas. Outpatient clinics typically offer competitive pay, but those working in hospital settings and skilled nursing facilities may have an advantage in terms of base salary and benefits. The disparity in earnings can be influenced by several factors, including productivity demands, specialization board certifications like OCS and SCS, and the shift towards cash-pay models versus traditional insurance practices. To maximize pay in this specific environment, focusing on productivity metrics and seeking additional certifications are wise strategies for any aspiring or current physical therapist in Tupelo, MS.
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $87,210 for physical therapistsin the Tupelo metropolitan area. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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