Gulfport vs Madison: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Gulfport, MS and Madison, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gulfport, MS | Madison, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,376▲ | $88,999 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.18▲ | $42.79 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,476▲ | $65,335 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,714▲ | $77,896 |
| 75th Percentile | $111,231▲ | $101,654 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $129,673▲ | $110,113 |
| Total Employed | 310▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Gulfport, MS offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Madison.
The salary gap between Gulfport and Madison is $15,377 (17.28%). Gulfport's median is -0.87% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gulfport spans $53,197,Madison spans $44,778. Gulfport has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Gulfport ($115,966 effective) pays 11.67% more than Madison ($103,849 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gulfport if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,376/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,673)
- ✓Larger job market (310 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,966)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Gulfport grew 30.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.2% growth in Madison over the same period.
Gulfport, MS
$78,240 (2019) → $101,870 (2025)
Madison, MS
$76,076 (2024) → $86,862 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gulfport, MS
Madison, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Gulfport or Madison?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gulfport and Madison?
Should I relocate from Gulfport to Madison as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Gulfport vs Madison?
Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov