Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Meridian, MS: $66,758 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Meridian, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $66,758 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Meridian's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $77,897 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($85,540) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Meridian, Mississippi, the entry-level physical therapist salary is projected to start around $66,758 in 2026, which is notably lower than the median annual salary of $85,540 for the city. New graduates can realistically aim towards increasing their earnings, moving towards the 25th percentile at $72,651 as they gain experience over the first few years. This growth trajectory is promising, offering a significant path from the initial entry-level pay to a more established median salary within their first three to five years in the field. Given Meridian's cost of living index of 85.7, which is below the national average, the starting physical therapist salary in Meridian provides a comfortable living, making the city a reasonably good market for newcomers.
About the Meridian Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Meridian
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Meridian
Entry-level physical therapists in Meridian, MS typically start between $66,758 and $72,651 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $40,602 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $85,540 — 18.76% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Mississippi of $80,000 represents just 119.84% of the starting physical therapist pay ($66,758/year) in Meridian. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. Tuition varies substantially between public in-state DPT programs and private institutions; most programs require a prerequisite bachelor's degree.
PT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Meridian
- 1Research the Meridian market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $66,758 to $72,651, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Meridian, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Meridian for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Meridian's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Compensation Range
The physical therapist wage spread in Meridian is $40,602 ( 60.82%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $66,758, experienced hygienists can earn up to $107,360.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,469
2025 BLS Actual
$65,155
2026 Current Est.
$66,758
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Meridian (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,469 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,660 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,308 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,359 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,033 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,009 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,155 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,758 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,400 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Meridian, MS grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,469 in 2019 to $65,155 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $68,400. New graduates entering the Meridian job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Meridian 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 2.46% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Meridian
Hiring opportunities for fresh DPT graduates are available across various settings in Meridian. Outpatient orthopedic chains typically recruit the majority of new grads, offering structured productivity ramps that support earning potential, although they often pay less than hospital systems. These systems, especially those committed to residency programs leading to board certification, can offer higher salaries. For new therapists, obtaining a DPT degree from CAPTE-accredited programs, passing the NPTE national exam, and securing a state PT license are essential steps in boosting starting pay. Early-career professionals should consider pursuing board specialization such as OCS or SCS, and maintaining APTA membership can provide valuable resources. This is particularly relevant in the current market where productivity expectations are shaped by reimbursement cuts from CMS, creating a competitive environment focused on efficiency and service quality. As starting pay may grow during the first three years, entry-level physical therapists in Meridian, MS should anticipate gradual advancement, especially with the right credentials and professional development strategies.
More salary data for Meridian, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Meridian in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Meridian?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Meridian?
What do new physical therapists make right out of school in Meridian?
How do I become a physical therapist in Mississippi?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Mississippi
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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Meridian. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Meridian 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 2.46%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapists (SOC 29-1123).
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov