Senior Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Vicksburg, MS: $69,466 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of physical therapist assistants working in Vicksburg, MS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $69,466/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2021. Strip back Vicksburg's price premium (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $81,057 in average-cost America. The 20% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Vicksburg, Mississippi, the potential for experienced physical therapist assistants to earn top-tier salaries is notable, with projected figures showing that the 90th percentile (P90) could reach $69,466 by 2026. This figure clearly illustrates the premium that senior professionals can achieve, significantly surpassing the median annual salary of $57,801. The gap between these two figures highlights the rewards associated with advanced skills and years of experience, as reaching this upper echelon often involves specialized training or credentials. Those aiming for the highest compensation typically invest in advanced educational pathways or certifications, positioning themselves as leading experts in their specialized fields, whether that be in sports medicine, geriatrics, or pediatric therapy.
About the Vicksburg Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Vicksburg
Experienced physical therapist assistants at the top of the pay scale in Vicksburg earn between $64,930 and $69,466 per year (2026 est.). This $26,656 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Vicksburg median of $57,801 sits 17.72% below the US median.
Top PTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Vicksburg | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $57,801 | $70,247 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,930 | $80,828 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $69,466 | $91,954 |
In Vicksburg, experienced physical therapist assistants (P90) earn 20.18% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Physical Therapist Assistant Pay in Vicksburg
Advanced Certifications in Mississippi
MS physical therapist assistants with additional specialty certifications within the physical therapy field earn significantly above the $57,801 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Vicksburg employers.
Specialty Focus
Physical Therapist Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the physical therapy field in Vicksburg command premium compensation, often reaching the $64,930–$69,466 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Vicksburg metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced physical therapist assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured physical therapist assistants in Vicksburg with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Physical Therapist Assistants in Mississippi who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Physical Therapist Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Vicksburg
Clinical Physical Therapist Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Physical Therapist Assistant
5-10 yearsPhysical Therapist Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedVicksburg ranks #16 of 20 Mississippi cities for top earner physical therapist assistant salary (90th percentile: $69,466).
Top 10% physical therapist assistant compensation in Vicksburg ($69,466) is 9.78% below the Mississippi average P90 ($76,996).
2019 BLS Actual
$61,070
2025 BLS Actual
$67,620
2026 Current Est.
$69,466
2019–2027 Growth
+16.9%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Vicksburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,070 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,302 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,564 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,387 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,106 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,662 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,620 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,466 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,362 | Projected |
Top-earning physical therapist assistants (90th percentile) in Vicksburg saw their compensation grow 10.7% from $61,070 in 2019 to $67,620 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.73% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $71,362 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Vicksburg 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.
Maximizing Your Physical Therapist Assistant Earnings in Vicksburg
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Compensation for senior physical therapist assistants in Vicksburg fluctuates based on specialty and setting. For instance, those with expertise in areas like orthopedic care or geriatric rehabilitation in skilled nursing facilities often garner premium salaries, thanks to high demand for these services. Employment settings also play a significant role; outpatient orthopedic clinics generally provide more competitive compensation compared to home health agencies or school therapy programs. Advancement opportunities are also abundant for experienced PTAs. Supervisory roles such as lead PTA or clinic operations supervisor, along with educational paths like PTA-to-DPT bridges or regional clinical educator positions, can further enhance earning potential. In today's market, having an Associate's degree from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program, passing the NPTAE, and obtaining a state PTA license are essential, while advanced proficiency credentials through APTA can further elevate one’s standing and salary. Additionally, factors like weekend premiums, productivity expectations, and the impact of Medicare cuts must be considered, as they influence overall compensation and job satisfaction for senior professionals.
More salary data for Vicksburg, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced physical therapist assistants make in Vicksburg in 2026?
What drives higher physical therapist assistant pay in Vicksburg?
What certifications boost physical therapist assistant salary in Vicksburg?
Can experienced physical therapist assistants make six figures in Vicksburg?
How much does physical therapist assistant salary increase over time in Vicksburg?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $67,620 for physical therapist assistants in the Vicksburg metro area. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Vicksburg 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