Entry-Level Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Laurel, MS: $42,419 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapist assistants entering the Laurel, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $42,419 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Laurel's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,497 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($55,678) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the field as a physical therapist assistant in Laurel, Mississippi, the starting physical therapist assistant salary is modest yet promising, with entry-level positions expected to pay around $42,419 annually in 2026. This figure is below the city’s median annual salary of $55,678, highlighting a gap that new graduates can work toward closing through experience and further skill development. Over the first three to five years, entry-level professionals can anticipate growth in their salaries, moving through the 25th percentile salary of $50,577 and towards the median as they gain practical experience. Given the projected growth rate of 2.73% annually for this profession and the demand for PTAs in the local health care market, Laurel presents a reasonable opportunity for new graduates eager to establish their careers.
About the Laurel Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Laurel
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 Laurel
Entry-level physical therapist assistants in Laurel, MS typically start between $42,419 and $50,577 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $25,667 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $55,678 — 20.74% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Mississippi of $11,000 represents just 25.93% of the starting physical therapist assistant pay ($42,419/year) in Laurel. 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 Laurel
- 1Research the Laurel market: entry-level physical therapist assistant pay ranges from $42,419 to $50,577, 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 Laurel, 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 Laurel for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Laurel'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 Laurel is $25,667 ( 60.51%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $42,419, experienced hygienists can earn up to $68,086.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$28,926
2025 BLS Actual
$41,292
2026 Current Est.
$42,419
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Laurel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,926 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,263 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,238 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,478 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,415 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,443 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,292 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,419 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,577 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Laurel, MS grew 42.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,926 in 2019 to $41,292 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $43,577. New graduates entering the Laurel job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laurel 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 Laurel
Within this context, several employers in Laurel actively recruit new graduates, primarily outpatient clinics that are eager to train fresh talent. Skilled nursing facilities may be slightly more competitive due to reimbursement challenges, but they too continue to hire recent graduates, despite the 15% Medicare cut that has affected PTA pay across heavily Medicare-dependent settings. New licensed PTAs can enhance their hiring prospects and starting pay by ensuring they have completed a CAPTE-accredited program, passed the NPTAE national exam, and acquired a state PTA license. Continuing education, including advanced proficiency credentials through the APTA, may also lead to improved salary prospects. Realistically, entry-level PTAs in Laurel can expect gradual salary growth as they gain experience and take on additional responsibilities under the supervision of licensed physical therapists, positioning themselves for higher compensation as they navigate their first few years in the field.
More salary data for Laurel, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapist assistants in Laurel in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist assistant salaries grow in Laurel?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Laurel?
What do new physical therapist assistants make right out of school in Laurel?
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 Laurel. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Laurel 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