Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Biloxi, MS: $45,101 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Biloxi, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,101 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Biloxi's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,627 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,257) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the physical therapist assistant (PTA) field in Biloxi, Mississippi, can expect to start with a salary around $45,101. This entry-level pay represents a notable gap when compared to the city's median annual salary of $64,257, indicating a realistic expectation for first-time job seekers. However, there is potential for growth as early-career PTAs can move to the P25 earnings level of $55,732 within their first few years of practice, eventually reaching the median. Given Biloxi's healthcare infrastructure and the ongoing demand for rehabilitation services, it appears to be a favorable market for newcomers, particularly for those willing to gain experience and advance their skill set.
About the Biloxi Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Biloxi
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 Biloxi
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Biloxi, MS typically start between $45,101 and $55,732 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $35,665 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,257 — 8.53% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Mississippi of $11,000 represents just 24.39% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($45,101/year) in Biloxi. 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 Physical Therapist Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school programs.
PTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Biloxi
- 1Research the Biloxi market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $45,101 to $55,732, 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 Biloxi, 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 Biloxi for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Biloxi's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Assistant Compensation Range
The physical therapist assistant wage spread in Biloxi is $35,665 ( 79.08%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,101, experienced hygienists can earn up to $80,766.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,754
2025 BLS Actual
$43,902
2026 Current Est.
$45,101
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Biloxi (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,754 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,113 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,276 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,847 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,717 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,639 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,902 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,101 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,332 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Biloxi, MS grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,754 in 2019 to $43,902 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $46,332. New graduates entering the Biloxi job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Biloxi 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 2.73% 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 Biloxi
Employers in Biloxi typically hiring fresh graduates in this profession include outpatient rehabilitation chains and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). While SNFs continue to recruit, they face financial challenges due to reduced Medicare reimbursement for PTA services, which can affect pay scales. To enhance their marketability, new graduates should focus on obtaining their Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passing the NPTAE national exam, and securing their state PTA license. Continuing education can distinguish candidates further; for example, advanced proficiency credentials offered through APTA bolster a PTA's appeal. In the early years of practice, it’s realistic for PTAs to expect gradual salary increases driven by experience, professional growth, and development of specialized skills, which are integral in navigating the current challenges in this field.
More salary data for Biloxi, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Biloxi in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Biloxi?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Biloxi?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Biloxi?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Mississippi?
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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
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 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Biloxi. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Biloxi 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 2.73%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapist assistants (SOC 31-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov