Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Columbus, MS: $27.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Columbus, MS runs $27.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,610 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,962 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The physical therapist assistant hourly pay in Columbus, MS, is projected to be $27.21 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national average of $33.77 per hour. This discrepancy means that part-time physical therapist assistants working three days a week can see a different financial landscape than their peers in other regions. Typically employed in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health settings, and other therapeutic environments, the hourly pay range for entry-level to experienced PTAs in Columbus lies between $19.18 and $32.50. It's worth mentioning that the hourly rates in Columbus are derived from annual salary estimates, shedding light on the economic environment that physical therapists face in this city.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.18 | $153.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.28 | $202.25 |
| Median (P50) | $27.21 | $217.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.95 | $239.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.50 | $260.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $27.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.21/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, MS can expect to earn approximately $56,603 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,656. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,088.53 | $4,717 | $56,603 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $653.12 | $2,830 | $33,962 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $435.41 | $1,887 | $22,641 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Columbus) | $27.21 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Massage Therapist (National Avg) | $27.10 |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Columbus, MS earn a median of $56,610 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.41% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 6.00% below the Mississippi state average of $60,224.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.21/hr = $33,962/year (purchasing power: $39,629).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,603/year (purchasing power: $66,048).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Columbus grew 16.3% from $22.77/hr (2019) to $26.49/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.96/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapist assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbus 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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist Assistant in Columbus
When examining the earning potential of physical therapist assistants working part-time or as per diem staff, the dynamics shift. A PTA working 24 hours a week can expect to take home around $33,766 annually, while full-time colleagues may see significantly higher figures. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Columbus usually ranges from $32 to $48 per hour, particularly for staff fulfilling temporary roles in profitable sectors like outpatient orthopedics. However, many PTAs in skilled nursing facilities may experience premium pay reductions due to the 15% Medicare cut that took effect in 2022. Hourly rates can vary significantly based on employer type; those at private practice clinics or bustling hospitals might command higher rates compared to school therapy programs or home health agencies. The decision between more expensive per diem roles and more stable employment that includes benefits can influence career paths and financial planning in this field, particularly for those exploring PTA-to-DPT bridge pathways.
More salary data for Columbus, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Columbus in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Columbus?
Are physical therapist assistants in Columbus paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Columbus?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Columbus?
Related Pages
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapist assistants in Columbus. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Columbus 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