Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Madison, MS: $28.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Madison, MS runs $28.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,379 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Madison's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,629 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Madison, Mississippi, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $28.55 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national hourly median of $33.77. This rate translates to approximately $1,142 for a typical 40-hour workweek, making it essential for both part-time workers and per-diem staff to consider their earnings closely. For those working three days a week, this hourly rate equates to about $1,713 monthly, while per-diem PTAs can potentially earn more in specialized settings. In Madison, hourly wages can range from $19.42 for entry-level positions to $35.15 for the most experienced assistants. Understanding this spectrum can help future physical therapist assistants in Madison assess their compensation expectations depending on their setting, whether it’s in outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, or pediatric therapy environments.
About the Madison 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) | $19.42 | $155.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.04 | $208.34 |
| Median (P50) | $28.55 | $228.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.81 | $254.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.15 | $281.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Madison
Based on $28.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.55/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Madison, MS can expect to earn approximately $59,381 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,258. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Madison.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Madison
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,141.95 | $4,948 | $59,381 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $685.17 | $2,969 | $35,629 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $456.78 | $1,979 | $23,752 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Madison) | $28.55 |
| 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 Madison, MS earn a median of $59,379 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.47% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.40% below the Mississippi state average of $60,222.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.55/hr = $35,629/year (purchasing power: $41,574).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,381/year (purchasing power: $69,290).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Madison (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Madison grew 16.3% from $23.89/hr (2019) to $27.79/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.33/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 Madison 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 Madison
Examining part-time earning potential reveals that a physical therapist assistant working 24 hours a week could take home about $34,128 annually, compared to full-time earnings that could reach around $59,379. For PTAs in the per diem sector, rates typically fall between $32 to $48 per hour, presenting an appealing option for those willing to adapt their schedules. However, it's important to note that rates for agency work may fluctuate depending on negotiations and the specific employer, especially after recent Medicare cuts affected reimbursement rates in long-term care facilities. Various employer types in Madison, including hospital inpatient rehab and home health agencies, often provide different compensation packages, with some offering health benefits that could balance out a lower hourly rate. Effective negotiation strategies tailored to the local job market can bolster earning potential, particularly for those seeking higher hourly wages without benefits.
More salary data for Madison, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Madison in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Madison?
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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 Madison. 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 Madison 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