Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Gulfport, MS: $32,196 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Gulfport, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $32,196 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Gulfport's local price level (BEA RPP 90.0 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $35,771 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,508) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Gulfport, Mississippi, new graduates entering the physical therapist assistant (PTA) field can expect a starting salary of approximately $32,196. This figure falls significantly short of the city's median annual salary of $63,508, illustrating the typical challenges that entry-level professionals face while establishing their careers. Despite this initial gap, there is a promising growth trajectory for new PTAs in Gulfport, where salaries can increase to $62,039 as they gain experience. The market for entry-level positions appears to be favorable, as local healthcare facilities are often in need of qualified PTAs, creating opportunities for recent graduates to develop their skills and advance toward more competitive compensation within their first few years of practice.
Career Earnings Timeline in Gulfport
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 Gulfport
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Gulfport, MS typically start between $32,196 and $62,039 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,362 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,508 — 9.59% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Mississippi of $11,000 represents just 34.17% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($32,196/year) in Gulfport. 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 Gulfport
- 1Research the Gulfport market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $32,196 to $62,039, 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 Gulfport, 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 Gulfport for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Gulfport'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 Gulfport is $46,362 ( 144.00%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $32,196, experienced hygienists can earn up to $78,558.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$17,870
2025 BLS Actual
$31,340
2026 Current Est.
$32,196
2019–2027 Growth
+85.1%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Gulfport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17,870 | Actual |
| 2020 | $19,260 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,220 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,160 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,670 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,190 | Actual |
| 2025 | $31,340 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32,196 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33,075 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Gulfport, MS grew 75.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $17,870 in 2019 to $31,340 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $33,075. New graduates entering the Gulfport job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gulfport 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 Gulfport
When considering employment options in Gulfport, outpatient clinics are the primary employers seeking to hire newly graduated physical therapist assistants. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and home health agencies also participate in recruitment, although the latter typically prefer candidates with 1-2 years of experience. To boost earning potential, new PTAs should prioritize obtaining credentials such as an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited program, passing the NPTAE national exam, and acquiring a state PTA license. Furthermore, continuing education through the APTA can lead to advanced proficiency credentials. Given the recent 15% cut in Medicare Part B reimbursement for PTA services, which has impacted salaries particularly in Medicare-dependent settings like SNFs, realistic salary growth for new graduates in Gulfport could be steady yet gradual. In this environment, it’s essential that recent hires remain adaptable and focused on professional development during their first three years in the workforce.
More salary data for Gulfport, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Gulfport in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Gulfport?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Gulfport?
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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 Gulfport. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
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 2.73%, 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