Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Meridian, MS: $27.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Meridian, MS runs $27.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,072 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Meridian's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,244 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Meridian, Mississippi, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $27.44 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $33.77 per hour. This rate can influence various work arrangements, such as part-time positions at outpatient clinics or prisons that often schedule employees for three days a week. For such schedules, physical therapist assistants might find themselves balancing their obligations while still earning a competitive rate compared to other local job markets. Those who are entering this field or pursuing per-diem roles can expect an hourly range from $19.93 at the lowest percentile to $34.27 at the high end of the scale, accommodating different levels of experience and types of employment settings including home health visits and hospital inpatient rehab units.
About the Meridian 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) | $19.93 | $159.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.32 | $194.53 |
| Median (P50) | $27.44 | $219.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.93 | $247.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.27 | $274.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Meridian
Based on $27.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.44/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Meridian, MS can expect to earn approximately $57,074 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,927. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Meridian.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Meridian
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,097.57 | $4,756 | $57,074 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $658.54 | $2,854 | $34,244 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $439.03 | $1,902 | $22,829 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Meridian) | $27.44 |
| 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 Meridian, MS earn a median of $57,072 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.76% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 5.20% below the Mississippi state average of $60,202.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.44/hr = $34,244/year (purchasing power: $39,958).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,074/year (purchasing power: $66,597).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Meridian (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Meridian grew 16.3% from $22.96/hr (2019) to $26.71/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.19/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 Meridian 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 Meridian
For those working part-time, a physical therapist assistant logging 24 hours each week can expect to bring home an annual income that reflects their commitment versus a full-time earning potential. In Meridian, per-diem physical therapist assistants often charge between $32 and $48 hourly, potentially providing a more lucrative option depending on the demand in various health care settings. However, the reality of some positions, particularly in skilled nursing facilities, might involve lower hourly rates due to changes in Medicare reimbursement rates that began in 2022. Differences in hourly pay are also apparent based on employer types; outpatient orthopedic clinics generally offer higher pay compared to educational settings or skilled nursing facilities. Some assistants opt for lower hourly rates for the stability of benefits, while others choose higher pay while forgoing traditional health insurance, thereby presenting a trade-off that involves careful financial and personal considerations in the Meridian area.
More salary data for Meridian, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Meridian in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Meridian?
Are physical therapist assistants in Meridian paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Meridian?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Meridian?
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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 Meridian. 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 Meridian 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