Senior Physical Therapist Salary in Hattiesburg, MS: $118,444 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapists working in Hattiesburg, MS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $118,444/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1123. Strip back Hattiesburg's price premium (BEA RPP 87.6, 12% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $135,159 in average-cost America. The 18% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Hattiesburg, MS, experienced physical therapists can anticipate a median annual salary of $99,980 in 2026, with exceptional earning potential evident at the 90th percentile, where top earners could make up to $118,444. This impressive figure not only reflects the demands of senior positions but also highlights the significant experience premium within the profession. Achieving this level of compensation typically requires more than just years of service; specialized credentials, such as board certifications in orthopedic or neurologic therapy, play a crucial role in elevating skilled physical therapists to this upper echelon. With the average salary for the profession in Mississippi surpassing national figures by approximately 10.80%, Hattiesburg serves as a competitive market for seasoned professionals committed to advancing their careers.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hattiesburg
Experienced physical therapists at the top of the pay scale in Hattiesburg earn between $104,192 and $118,444 per year (2026 est.). This $43,443 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hattiesburg median of $99,980 sits 5.04% below the US median.
Top PT Salary Comparison
| Level | Hattiesburg | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $99,980 | $105,288 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,192 | $124,141 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $118,444 | $138,464 |
In Hattiesburg, experienced physical therapists (P90) earn 18.47% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Pay in Hattiesburg
Advanced Certifications in Mississippi
MS physical therapists with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $99,980 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hattiesburg employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Hattiesburg command premium compensation, often reaching the $104,192–$118,444 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hattiesburg metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced physical therapists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured physical therapists in Hattiesburg with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Physical Therapists in Mississippi who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Physical Therapist Career & Wage Growth Path in Hattiesburg
Clinical Physical Therapist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHattiesburg ranks #4 of 20 Mississippi cities for top earner physical therapist salary (90th percentile: $118,444).
Top 10% physical therapist compensation in Hattiesburg ($118,444) is 3.99% below the Mississippi average P90 ($123,367).
2019 BLS Actual
$115,620
2025 BLS Actual
$115,600
2026 Current Est.
$118,444
2019–2027 Growth
+5.0%
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 | $115,620 | Actual |
| 2020 | $109,280 | Actual |
| 2021 | $130,470 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,810 | Actual |
| 2023 | $101,770 | Actual |
| 2024 | $105,860 | Actual |
| 2025 | $115,600 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $118,444 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $121,357 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapists (90th percentile) in Hattiesburg saw their compensation grow -0.0% from $115,620 in 2019 to $115,600 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.46% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $121,357 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Physical Therapist Earnings in Hattiesburg
Beyond the fundamental salary package, several factors influence senior physical therapist pay in Hattiesburg. Specializations such as orthopedic (OCS), sports (SCS), and neurologic (NCS) can command higher wages, with orthopedic clinics often providing more lucrative opportunities due to their frequent cash-pay models. Different employment settings, including outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and sports medicine clinics, can significantly affect earnings as well. Career advancement is common for those who hold advanced degrees, such as a DPT, or obtaining APTA-recognized board certifications. Leadership roles, such as clinic or regional director, provide pathways to increased salaries and additional financial incentives, particularly for those who excel in productivity metrics. The convergence of these elements creates a vibrant environment in which experienced physical therapists can maximize their earning potential in Hattiesburg, MS.
More salary data for Hattiesburg, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapists make in Hattiesburg in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist pay in Hattiesburg?
What certifications boost physical therapist salary in Hattiesburg?
Can experienced physical therapists make six figures in Hattiesburg?
How much does physical therapist salary increase over time 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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $115,600 for physical therapists in the Hattiesburg metro area. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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