Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Tupelo, MS: $59,617 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Tupelo, MS earns a median $59,617/year (≈ $28.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Tupelo's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $69,565 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the prevailing physical therapist assistant salary in Tupelo, Mississippi, is projected to be $59,617 annually, which reflects a significant discrepancy compared to the national median of $70,247. Within the local market, the compensation ranges from $40,948 at the lower end to $73,880 at the upper tier for more experienced professionals. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data along with regional price adjustments, and they reveal the financial implications of structural changes following Medicare cuts. The evolving dynamics in Tupelo's healthcare settings, particularly the contrast between outpatient services and skilled nursing facilities, have influenced the compensation landscape for physical therapist assistants, representing opportunities and challenges alike.
About the Tupelo Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,948 | $19.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,678 | $26.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,617 | $28.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,712 | $32.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73,880 | $35.52 |
Median Salary Position
15.13% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tupelo
In Tupelo, MS, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,932 (2026 est.). At $59,617, the local median is 15.13% below the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Tupelo: You'd be above the median
How Tupelo Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Tupelo median: $59,617/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tupelo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $60,219 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -15.13% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Tupelo, MS earn a median of $59,617 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.13% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 1.00% below the Mississippi state average of $60,219.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tupelo 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.
Tupelo, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $59,617 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $69,565 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,894
2025 BLS Actual
$58,033
2026 Current Est.
$59,617
2019–2027 Growth
+22.8%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Tupelo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,894 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,726 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,922 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,272 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,384 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,921 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,033 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,617 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,245 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tupelo metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $49,894 (2019) to $58,033 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,245 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,351 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tupelo 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) | $40,948 – $54,678 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,678 – $59,617 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,617 – $66,712 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,712 – $73,880 |
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 Tupelo
Tupelo's job market currently employs seven physical therapist assistants, indicating a localized demand amidst a competitive environment. The cost of living index stands at 85.7, suggesting that while salaries may be lower compared to the national average, residents enjoy a more affordable lifestyle, directly impacting their purchasing power. Among the various employers, outpatient orthopedic clinics generally offer the highest compensation, overshadowing skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies—sectors significantly affected by the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut. This cut has intensified the disparity in pay, leading to higher expectations for productivity in outpatient settings versus SNFs. To maximize pay in Tupelo, aspiring PTAs should consider working in outpatient clinics, seeking additional certifications, or taking on weekend shifts, which typically offer premium pay rates. These strategies can aid in enhancing financial outcomes while navigating the local market's unique challenges.
More salary data for Tupelo, 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 $58,033 for physical therapist assistantsin the Tupelo 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 Tupelo 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