Physical Therapist in Biloxi, MS

The Salary Picture: Where Biloxi Stands

As a local career analyst, I have to tell you straight up: Biloxi offers a solid financial case for Physical Therapists, especially when you factor in the low cost of living. The median salary for a Physical Therapist in the Biloxi-Gulfport metro area is $96,509/year, which translates to a very comfortable hourly rate of $46.4/hour. While this is slightly below the National Average of $99,710/year, the real story is in the purchasing power.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in our local market. These are realistic figures based on job postings and industry conversations, not national averages.

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary	Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$78,000 - $85,000	$37.50 - $40.86
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$92,000 - $104,000	$44.23 - $50.00
Senior (8-15 years)	$105,000 - $118,000	$50.48 - $56.73
Expert/Leader (15+ years)	$120,000+	$57.69+

Insider Tip: The difference between our median ($96,509) and the national average ($99,710) is only about 3.2%. However, Biloxi’s cost of living is 10.7% lower than the national average (Index 89.3 vs. 100). This means your dollar goes significantly further here than in most cities where PTs earn more on paper.

When comparing to other Mississippi cities, Biloxi holds its own:

• Jackson (Capital Metro): Salaries are slightly higher (median ~$98,000), but the cost of living in the Jackson area is also higher, especially in affluent suburbs like Madison and Rankin County. The trade-off is more bureaucratic state-level jobs versus Biloxi’s mix of private clinics and hospital systems.
• Hattiesburg (Home of USM): Home to the University of Southern Mississippi’s DPT program, Hattiesburg has a strong entry-level market but a slightly lower median salary (around $94,000). It’s a college town vibe, whereas Biloxi is a coastal resort city.
• Southaven (Memphis Suburb): Part of the larger Memphis metro, Southaven offers salaries closer to the national average but with a higher cost of living and a more congested, urban commute. Biloxi’s slower pace is a major draw for many PTs.

With 98 jobs currently posted for the metro and a 14% 10-year job growth projection (well above the national average for healthcare), the market here is robust and expanding, particularly in outpatient orthopedics and post-surgical rehab.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. A single filer earning $96,509 in Biloxi (no dependents, standard deduction) would take home approximately $73,500 annually after federal and state taxes (estimate for planning purposes; consult a tax professional). That’s about $6,125 per month. With Biloxi’s average 1BR rent at $923/month, your housing costs are a manageable 15% of your take-home pay.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a PT earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$6,125	After taxes & deductions
Rent (1BR Average)	$923	Varies by neighborhood (see below)
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$250	Coastal humidity can increase AC costs
Car Payment & Insurance	$600	Essential in Biloxi; limited public transit
Groceries	$450
Health Insurance (if not fully covered)	$300
Retirement Savings (10-15%)	$600 - $900	Critical for long-term wealth
Discretionary/Entertainment	$1,000+	Plenty left for dining, events, travel

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a strong income and low rent, saving for a down payment is very achievable. The median home price in the Biloxi area is around $185,000. A 20% down payment is $37,000. With your lower fixed costs, you could realistically save this in 2-3 years while still enjoying the coastal lifestyle. Property taxes are also reasonable, averaging around 1.2% of assessed value.

Where the Jobs Are: Biloxi's Major Employers

Biloxi’s healthcare landscape is a mix of large hospital systems, specialized clinics, and senior care facilities. The job market is diverse, offering opportunities from acute care to outpatient sports rehab.

1. Memorial Hospital at Gulfport (MHG): The largest not-for-profit system in the region, with a major campus in Gulfport (a 10-15 minute drive from most of Biloxi). They run a robust inpatient rehab unit and multiple outpatient clinics. Hiring trends show a steady demand for PTs in their orthopedic and neurological specialties. Insider Tip: They offer excellent benefits and education assistance, making it a great place for new grads to get experience and specialize.

2. Gulf Coast Medical Center (Ascension): Located in Biloxi proper, this is a key employer for acute care and outpatient orthopedics. They are part of a larger national network, which can mean more standardized processes but also opportunities for transfer. They have a strong focus on joint replacement rehab, a growing niche in our aging coastal population.

3. Back in Motion Physical Therapy: A leading local, therapist-owned private practice with multiple locations across Biloxi and Gulfport. They specialize in orthopedics and sports medicine. This is the go-to spot for PTs who want autonomy, a private practice feel, and direct interaction with a diverse patient base, from local service workers to casino employees.

4. The Memorial Hospital at Gulfport Outpatient Clinics: Beyond the main hospital, MHG operates several smaller clinics in neighborhoods like North Biloxi and D'Iberville. These are prime locations for outpatient orthopedics and geriatrics. Hiring is often driven by physician referrals in these community-based settings.

5. Biloxi National Cemetery & VA Outpatient Clinic: The VA clinic in Biloxi serves a significant veteran population, which translates to a steady need for PTs specializing in geriatrics, chronic pain management, and amputee rehab. These positions are highly sought after for their federal benefits and job security.

6. Senior Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Facilities: The Gulf Coast’s retiree population fuels demand here. Employers like Biloxi Beach Care & Rehabilitation and Greenbriar Nursing Home consistently hire PTs for post-acute care, focusing on mobility, fall prevention, and strength training for seniors. The work is challenging but deeply rewarding.

Local Hiring Trend: There’s a noticeable shift toward home health and tele-rehab services. With the large retiree population and the expansion of home health agencies, PTs willing to travel to patient homes (with a company vehicle) are in high demand and can often command a premium rate.

Getting Licensed in MS

Mississippi’s licensing process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The Mississippi State Board of Physical Therapy oversees all licensure.

Steps to Get Licensed:

1. Education: Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited DPT program.
2. Examination: Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTs, administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
3. Jurisprudence Exam: Pass the Mississippi Jurisprudence Exam (open-book, taken online).
4. Background Check: Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check.
5. Application: Complete the full application via the Board’s online portal.

Timeline & Costs:

• Application Fee: $150
• Jurisprudence Exam Fee: $75
• Background Check: ~$50
• Total Estimated Cost: $275 (excluding NPTE exam fee, which is ~$485).
• Timeline: Once you submit all documents, processing typically takes 4-6 weeks. Insider Tip: If you’re coming from another state, apply for licensure by endorsement early. Mississippi is part of the Compact Privilege, which can streamline the process if your home state is also a member.

Provisional License: If you’re a recent graduate, you can obtain a provisional license to work under supervision while you await your NPTE results. This is common for new grads starting their first jobs.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Biloxi is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and commute time. Your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a short drive to work, walkability, or water views.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
East Biloxi (Casino Row)	Tourist-heavy, lively, near the beach. Commute to Memorial Hospital is 10-15 mins.	$950 - $1,200	Young professionals who want nightlife and beach access.
North Biloxi	Residential, family-oriented, more affordable. Close to I-10. Commute: 10-20 mins.	$800 - $950	Those seeking value, space, and a quieter home base.
Downtown Biloxi	Historic, charming, walkable to local shops and restaurants. Commute is minimal if you work nearby.	$850 - $1,100	Urban dwellers who want character and a short commute.
St. Martin	Suburban, safe, excellent schools. Slightly farther east, but easy highway access. Commute: 15-25 mins.	$900 - $1,050	PTs with families or those wanting a classic suburban feel.
Back Bay	Waterfront living, mix of older homes and new developments. Commute to most employers is 5-15 mins.	$1,000 - $1,500+	Those who prioritize water views and a vibrant, coastal lifestyle.

Commute Insight: Traffic is generally light compared to major metros. The I-10 bridge and Highway 90 are the main arteries. Most PTs live within a 15-minute drive of their workplace, making a car essential.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Biloxi supports long-term career growth, though it’s more about specialization and leadership than climbing a massive corporate ladder.

Specialty Premiums: Board-certified specialists earn more and are in higher demand. In Biloxi, you’ll find the biggest pay bumps for:

• Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS): Essential for outpatient and sports clinics. Can add $5,000 - $10,000 to your base salary.
• Geriatric Clinical Specialist (GCS): Critical for the senior care market. Highly valued in home health and skilled nursing.
• Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS): Needed for inpatient rehab at Memorial and stroke recovery centers.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Track: Move from staff PT to Senior PT, then to Clinical Director or Manager of Rehabilitation Services. These roles often involve oversight of multiple clinics and can push salaries into the $115,000 - $130,000 range.
2. Private Practice Ownership: With low overhead costs, owning a small clinic (e.g., specializing in vestibular rehab or pelvic health) is a viable long-term goal. This is the highest earning potential but requires business acumen.
3. Academia/Side Gigs: The nearby University of Southern Mississippi (Hattiesburg, ~1.5 hours away) and University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, ~2 hours) offer adjunct faculty positions. Many local PTs also teach at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (in Perkinston, ~30 mins) for their PTA program.

10-Year Outlook: The 14% job growth is driven by our aging population and the expansion of outpatient services. The trend is toward value-based care—PTs who can demonstrate positive outcomes and cost-effective treatment plans will be most secure. There’s also growing opportunity in pediatrics (with Keesler AFB families) and industrial/ergonomic consulting for local manufacturing and maritime industries.

The Verdict: Is Biloxi Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong Purchasing Power: Median salary of $96,509 with a cost of living index of 89.3.	Summertime Heat & Humidity: Can be oppressive from June to September.
Diverse Job Market: Mix of hospitals, private clinics, home health, and senior care.	Limited Cultural Amenities: Few major museums, symphonies, or pro sports teams.
Coastal Lifestyle: Beach access, seafood, fishing, and a relaxed pace of life.	Tourist-Driven Economy: Can lead to seasonal fluctuations in certain sectors.
Manageable Commutes: Most jobs are within a 15-minute drive.	Car Dependency: Public transit is minimal; a reliable vehicle is a must.
Growth Potential: 10-year job growth of 14% with opportunities to specialize.	Proximity to Major Airports: Local airport is small; flying to hubs like Atlanta or Dallas is common.

Final Recommendation: Biloxi is an excellent choice for Physical Therapists who value work-life balance, financial stability, and a unique coastal environment. It’s particularly well-suited for:

• New Graduates: Who can start at a solid median salary with low living costs.
• Mid-Career PTs: Looking to specialize (especially in orthopedics or geriatrics) without the stress of a major metropolitan area.
• Those Seeking a Change: From high-cost, congested cities who want to retain professional opportunity while gaining quality of life.

If you crave a bustling, fast-paced urban scene with endless cultural events, Biloxi might feel too small. But if you want a career where you can afford a home, enjoy the beach after work, and still find challenging, meaningful work, this coastal city is a compelling destination.

FAQs

Q: Is the job market for PTs saturated in Biloxi?
A: No. With 98 current postings, a 14% growth rate, and a diverse employer base, the market is healthy. The key is flexibility—being open to outpatient, home health, or senior care will give you the most options.

Q: What’s the typical schedule for a PT in Biloxi?
A: Most outpatient clinics operate 7 am - 7 pm, with shifts split between morning and afternoon. Hospital-based roles often follow a 4x10-hour schedule or a standard 5-day week. Home health PTs typically set their own schedules but must accommodate patient availability.

Q: Do I need to know about casino healthcare?
A: While the casinos are a major employer, their on-site medical staff is usually limited. However, many casino employees (dealers, servers) become patients in local outpatient and orthopedic clinics due to repetitive strain injuries. Understanding common workplace injuries in the service/hospitality industry is helpful.

Q: How competitive are the best jobs at Memorial Hospital or private practices?
A: They are competitive but not cutthroat. Having your OCS or GCS certification will make your application stand out. Networking is key—attend events with the Mississippi Physical Therapy Association (MSPTA) to connect with local hiring managers.

Q: What’s the best way to prepare for the move?
A: 1) Start your Mississippi licensure process early. 2) Research neighborhoods and consider a short-term rental first. 3) Connect with local PTs on LinkedIn—many are friendly and willing to offer advice. 4) Plan your move outside of late summer (August) if possible, to avoid the peak of tourist season and hurricane season.