Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Olive Branch, MS: $27.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Olive Branch, MS runs $27.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,960 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Olive Branch's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,180 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Olive Branch, Mississippi, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to be $27.39 in 2026. This rate is notably below the national median of $33.77, which reflects salary compression in a region impacted by the ongoing adjustments stemming from Medicare cuts. For physical therapist assistants working part-time, perhaps three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a feasible income but requires strategic planning, especially when considering jobs in various settings like outpatient clinics or skilled nursing facilities. Entry-level positions may begin around $19.84, whereas seasoned professionals can reach up to $34.18. These figures suggest a broad spectrum of earning potential, but they also highlight the economic realities faced by PTAs in Olive Branch, making per diem or agency work appealing for many.
About the Olive Branch 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) | $19.84 | $158.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.20 | $193.63 |
| Median (P50) | $27.39 | $219.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.37 | $250.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.18 | $273.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Olive Branch
Based on $27.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.39/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Olive Branch, MS can expect to earn approximately $56,967 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,865. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Olive Branch.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Olive Branch
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,095.51 | $4,747 | $56,967 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $657.31 | $2,848 | $34,180 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $438.21 | $1,899 | $22,787 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Olive Branch) | $27.39 |
| 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 Olive Branch, MS earn a median of $56,960 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.91% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 5.40% below the Mississippi state average of $60,211.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.39/hr = $34,180/year (purchasing power: $39,883).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,967/year (purchasing power: $66,472).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Olive Branch (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Olive Branch grew 16.3% from $22.92/hr (2019) to $26.66/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.14/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 Olive Branch 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 Olive Branch
Looking at the earning potential for a part-time physical therapist assistant in Olive Branch reveals a distinct picture compared to full-time work. A PTA working 24 hours per week could realistically earn around $34,047 annually, which, while modest, provides a foundation for steady income. Many PTAs may opt to function as per diem employees or benefit from agency contracts, often billing rates between $32-$48 per hour, with travel positions potentially offering $1,200-$1,800 weekly. It's worth mentioning that job settings can significantly affect pay; outpatient clinics might offer lower rates contrasted with skilled nursing facilities, impacted by factors like the 15% Medicare cut. The choice often comes down to whether a PTA wants higher hourly wages without benefits or a more secure full-time role with health insurance. For those negotiating hourly rates, it can be beneficial to emphasize flexibility and skillset, especially in vital care settings where demand remains high.
More salary data for Olive Branch, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Olive Branch in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Olive Branch?
Are physical therapist assistants in Olive Branch paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Olive Branch?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Olive Branch?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Mississippi
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 Olive Branch. 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 Olive Branch 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