Jackson vs Olive Branch: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Jackson, MS and Olive Branch, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jackson, MS | Olive Branch, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,795▲ | $56,960 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.68▲ | $27.39 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,673▲ | $41,257 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,727▲ | $50,347 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,866▲ | $65,267 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,691▲ | $71,082 |
| Total Employed | 260▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Jackson, MS offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Olive Branch.
The salary gap between Jackson and Olive Branch is $6,835 (12.00%). Jackson's median is -9.18% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jackson spans $21,018,Olive Branch spans $29,825. Olive Branch has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Jackson ($71,641 effective) pays 7.79% more than Olive Branch ($66,464 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jackson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,795/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,691)
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,641)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Olive Branch if…
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Jackson grew 32.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.0% growth in Olive Branch over the same period.
Jackson, MS
$46,760 (2019) → $62,100 (2025)
Olive Branch, MS
$48,650 (2024) → $55,446 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jackson, MS
Olive Branch, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Jackson or Olive Branch?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jackson and Olive Branch?
Should I relocate from Jackson to Olive Branch as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Jackson vs Olive Branch?
Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov