Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Brandon, MS: $41,989 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Brandon, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $41,989 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brandon's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,995 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($57,375) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brandon, Mississippi, first-year physical therapist assistants can expect a starting salary around $41,989 in 2026, which represents a significant entry point into the profession. This figure is notably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $57,375, indicating that new grads may begin their careers at a level that is approximately 27% less than the overall average for the area. Over the first few years, fresh PTAs may anticipate growth in their earnings, to $51,212 as they gain experience and enhance their skills. This growth trajectory can be appealing for recent graduates navigating their first job in healthcare. Given the city’s developing healthcare landscape, Brandon presents a reasonable market for new physical therapist assistant roles, allowing graduates to establish a foothold as they build their careers.
About the Brandon Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brandon
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 Brandon
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Brandon, MS typically start between $41,989 and $51,212 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $32,434 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $57,375 — 18.32% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Mississippi of $11,000 represents just 26.20% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($41,989/year) in Brandon. 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 Brandon
- 1Research the Brandon market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $41,989 to $51,212, 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 Brandon, 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 Brandon for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brandon'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 Brandon is $32,434 ( 77.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $41,989, experienced hygienists can earn up to $74,423.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$28,632
2025 BLS Actual
$40,873
2026 Current Est.
$41,989
2019–2027 Growth
+50.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Brandon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,632 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,966 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,911 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,098 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,045 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,076 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,873 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,989 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,135 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Brandon, MS grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,632 in 2019 to $40,873 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $43,135. New graduates entering the Brandon job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brandon 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 Brandon
Job opportunities for entry-level physical therapist assistants in Brandon predominantly stem from outpatient clinics, which are known for hiring newly graduated PTAs. While skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) continue to employ PTAs, the recent 15% cut in Medicare reimbursements for PTA-provided services has led to some compression in pay, making roles in outpatient settings potentially more lucrative for new hires. To improve their starting physical therapist assistant salary in Brandon, graduates should focus on obtaining an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, successfully passing the NPTAE national exam, and securing a state PTA license. Additionally, pursuing continuing education and advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA can enhance their marketability and salary potential. In the first three years, it’s realistic for new graduates to see incremental salary increases while they solidify their roles within the healthcare system, especially under supervision of physical therapists per state and Medicare regulations. Emphasis on further education and a willingness to adapt will be vital for career advancement in this evolving market.
More salary data for Brandon, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Brandon in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Brandon?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Brandon?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Brandon?
How do I become a physical therapist assistant in Mississippi?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Mississippi
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 Brandon. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brandon 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