Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Starkville, MS: $28.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Starkville, MS runs $28.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,543 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Starkville's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,129 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Starkville, Mississippi, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay sits at a median of $28.15, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $33.77. For those considering part-time or per-diem work, typically in settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits, this rate presents unique opportunities. A physical therapist assistant working three days a week may find themselves with a stable income while balancing their professional and personal life. The hourly pay range in Starkville stretches from $19.29 for entry-level positions to $34.80 for those at the top of their field, illustrating a clear pathway for growth within various healthcare environments. While these figures reflect estimates derived from annual salary data, they provide essential insights for aspiring PTAs as they gauge their earning potential in Starkville.
About the Starkville 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) | $19.29 | $154.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.81 | $206.45 |
| Median (P50) | $28.15 | $225.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.51 | $252.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.80 | $278.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Starkville
Based on $28.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.15/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Starkville, MS can expect to earn approximately $58,548 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,778. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Starkville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Starkville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,125.92 | $4,879 | $58,548 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $675.55 | $2,927 | $35,129 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $450.37 | $1,952 | $23,419 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Starkville) | $28.15 |
| 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 Starkville, MS earn a median of $58,543 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.66% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 2.80% below the Mississippi state average of $60,229.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.15/hr = $35,129/year (purchasing power: $40,990).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,548/year (purchasing power: $68,317).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Starkville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Starkville grew 16.3% from $23.56/hr (2019) to $27.40/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.92/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 Starkville 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 Starkville
Centering on the part-time earnings for a PTA in Starkville, when working a typical 24-hour week, they could realistically take home around $35,000 annually, a significant difference compared to full-time earnings. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Starkville can range from $32 to $48 an hour, depending on the demand and facility type. However, providers, especially in skilled nursing facilities, have felt the impact of the Medicare cuts that took effect in 2022. This change has caused hourly compensation to drop in some cases, pushing PTAs to choose between lower hourly wages with benefits or higher rates without additional perks. Different employer types, including outpatient orthopedic clinics and hospital inpatient rehab, come with varied pay structures. For PTAs in negotiations, it’s beneficial to understand the higher pay for agency work while considering job security and benefits in traditional roles. Building rapport with employers can lead to salary discussions that reflect the competitive nature of the Starkville market.
More salary data for Starkville, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Starkville in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Starkville?
Are physical therapist assistants in Starkville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Starkville?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Starkville?
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 Starkville. 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 Starkville 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