Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Ridgeland, MS: $57,801 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Ridgeland, MS earns a median $57,801/year (≈ $27.79/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Ridgeland's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $67,446 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ridgeland, aspiring physical therapist assistants can anticipate a promising median annual salary of $57,801 in 2026, reflective of the city's developing healthcare landscape. The salary range for this profession stands between $42,746 at the 10th percentile and $69,318 at the 90th percentile, showcasing varied earning potential based on experience and specialization. These projections are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for Mississippi's regional cost of living, which is notably lower than the national average. This economic environment can particularly benefit individuals exploring the PTA-to-DPT bridge, as advancing to a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree can significantly enhance lifetime earnings and career advancement opportunities.
About the Ridgeland Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,746 | $20.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,885 | $25.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,801 | $27.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,742 | $30.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69,318 | $33.33 |
Median Salary Position
17.72% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ridgeland
In Ridgeland, MS, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,572 (2026 est.). At $57,801, the local median is 17.72% below the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Ridgeland: You'd be above the median
How Ridgeland Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Ridgeland median: $57,801/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ridgeland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $60,209 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -17.72% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Ridgeland, MS earn a median of $57,801 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.72% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 4.00% below the Mississippi state average of $60,209.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ridgeland has a cost of living 14.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ridgeland, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $57,801 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,446 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,374
2025 BLS Actual
$56,265
2026 Current Est.
$57,801
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Ridgeland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,374 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,180 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,341 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,649 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,727 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,369 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,265 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,801 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,379 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ridgeland metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $48,374 (2019) to $56,265 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,379 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,005 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ridgeland 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $42,746 – $53,885 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,885 – $57,801 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,801 – $63,742 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,742 – $69,318 |
PTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Assistant Job Market in Ridgeland
The local job market for physical therapist assistants in Ridgeland is relatively modest, with only five employed in the area; however, the cost of living index of 85.7 suggests that take-home pay stretches further than in many larger cities. Major employers include outpatient orthopedic clinics and skilled nursing facilities, though the latter have faced challenges due to the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut impacting compensation for PTA services. The variance in salaries can be attributed to reimbursement frameworks, service setting, and productivity standards. PTAs looking to maximize their pay should consider seeking roles in outpatient environments or establishing paid weekend shifts, where premiums may apply. Understanding these dynamics can help guide new graduates or existing practitioners in securing more favorable financial positions in Ridgeland's healthcare market.
More salary data for Ridgeland, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $56,265 for physical therapist assistantsin the Ridgeland metropolitan area. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ridgeland 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