Physical Therapist in Hattiesburg, MS

The Salary Picture: Where Hattiesburg Stands

As a local who’s watched the healthcare scene in Hattiesburg evolve, the first thing I tell career-focused PTs is this: the numbers here are solid, but they tell a nuanced story. The median salary of $96,509/year for a Physical Therapist in Hattiesburg sits just slightly below the national average of $99,710/year. That gap of about $3,200 is narrower than in many similar-sized Southern metros, and when you factor in the cost of living, the real value is clear. The hourly rate of $46.4/hour translates to a strong weekly paycheck, especially for those working in high-demand settings.

Here’s how experience typically breaks down in our local market. These are estimates based on local job postings and conversations with clinic managers across the Pine Belt, but they illustrate the typical progression:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Annual Salary Range (Hattiesburg)	Notes
Entry-Level PT	0-2 years	$75,000 - $88,000	Often starts in outpatient ortho or hospital rotations.
Mid-Career PT	3-7 years	$90,000 - $105,000	Where the median falls. Specialization or leadership roles begin here.
Senior PT	8-15 years	$105,000 - $120,000	Often involves clinical instructor roles, niche specialties, or clinic management.
Expert/Leader	15+ years	$120,000 - $140,000+	Department directors, private practice owners, or highly specialized clinicians.

When compared to other Mississippi cities, Hattiesburg holds a unique position. It’s not a top-tier metropolitan like Gulfport-Biloxi, where coastal demand and tourism can push salaries higher, but it’s also not a rural outlier like many parts of the Delta. For instance, Jackson (the state capital) often sees slightly higher median salaries ($98,000-$102,000), but the cost of living in the Jackson metro is also noticeably higher. Gulfport-Biloxi can see seasonal fluctuations and may pay more for travel PTs, but year-round stability is often stronger in Hattiesburg. The key takeaway: Hattiesburg offers a strong, stable salary that goes further here than in most MS metros.

Insider Tip: The $96,509 median is heavily influenced by the large hospital systems (Hattiesburg Clinic, Forrest General) and nursing homes. Salaries at smaller private practices or home health agencies might start closer to $75,000 but can offer better work-life balance or lucrative productivity bonuses.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to brass tacks. A median salary of $96,509 sounds great, but what does it mean for your monthly budget? Using a simplified estimate (assuming a single filer, no dependents, standard deduction, and state/local taxes in Mississippi), your take-home pay is roughly $5,800 - $6,100 per month. This is where Hattiesburg’s affordability becomes a superpower.

With the average 1-bedroom rent at $906/month, housing costs are a fraction of your income. Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a PT earning the median:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$5,900	Midpoint of estimated take-home on $96,509 salary.
Rent (1BR)	$906	Average for the metro.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water)	$180	Varies by season; summers are hot.
Internet & Phone	$120	Standard bundles.
Car Payment & Insurance	$500	Assumes a moderate car payment.
Groceries	$400	Hattiesburg has good local grocers (McLain's, Market)
Health Insurance (Employer)	$300	Premium contribution.
Dining/Entertainment	$300	Plenty of local spots.
Savings/Investments	$1,000+	This is the key. With low rent, saving $1,000/month is very feasible.
Miscellaneous	$200	Pet, hobbies, etc.
Remaining	~$0	This budget is tight but allows for significant savings.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely, and sooner than you think. The median home value in Hattiesburg is around $185,000. With a $96,509 salary, you’d be in a strong position for a mortgage. A 20% down payment ($37,000) is substantial, but even with a 5% down payment, your monthly housing cost (PITI) would likely be around $1,200-$1,300, which is still very manageable on your salary. Many PTs I know bought their first home within 2-3 years of moving here.

Cost of Living Index: 89.3 (US avg = 100) means your paycheck has about 10.7% more purchasing power than in an average U.S. city. That’s not just theory—it shows up in your grocery bill, your car insurance, and your property taxes.

The Jobs Are: Hattiesburg's Major Employers

Hattiesburg’s healthcare economy is anchored by a few major players, with steady demand fueled by Forrest General Hospital (Level II Trauma), the VA Medical Center, and a growing senior population. The Jobs in Metro: 97 figure from the BLS indicates a stable, but not hyper-competitive, job market. Hiring trends are consistent, with a slight uptick in openings for home health and outpatient neurology.

Here are the primary employers you should target:

1. Hattiesburg Clinic: The largest private multi-specialty clinic in the region. They have a robust PT/OT department with multiple outpatient locations (including a dedicated sports rehab facility). Hiring is frequent for outpatient orthopedics and sports medicine. Insider Tip: They value clinical specialization. If you have a dry needling or OCS certification, highlight it.
2. Forrest General Hospital: The main hospital system. Their PT department handles inpatient rehab, acute care, and outpatient services. They are a major employer of new graduates for their residency-like onboarding. Hiring trends are stable, tied to hospital census.
3. Hattiesburg VA Medical Center: A critical employer with excellent benefits. They focus on geriatrics, orthopedics, and amputee/complex rehab. Hiring is less frequent but highly competitive when it occurs. Federal jobs offer strong pensions and job security.
4. Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative (SMRHI): This is a key FQHC (Federally Qualified Health Center) network. They serve underserved populations and have growing PT needs in community clinics. Salaries may be slightly lower than private practice, but loan repayment programs (NHSC) are often available.
5. Private Practice (e.g., ProActive Physical Therapy, Premier Physical Therapy): Several local private practices offer more autonomy and often higher productivity-based earnings. They are the first to hire for niches like pelvic health or vestibular rehab.
6. Home Health Agencies (e.g., Visiting Nurse Association, LHC Group): Demand is high for home health PTs. You’ll need a reliable vehicle and enjoy the autonomy of field work. Pay is often per-visit, which can be lucrative for efficient therapists.
7. Nursing Homes & Rehab Centers (e.g., Bedford Care Center, Generations of Hattiesburg): The aging "Pine Belt" population drives consistent demand for geriatric and post-acute care. These are often stable, long-term employers.

Insider Tip: The best jobs are often filled before they’re publicly posted. Join the Mississippi Physical Therapy Association (MPTA) and network at events in Hattiesburg. A personal referral from a current PT at Hattiesburg Clinic can get your resume to the top of the pile.

Getting Licensed in MS

Mississippi’s licensing process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The Mississippi State Board of Physical Therapy is your governing body.

Requirements & Costs:

1. Education: Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited DPT program.
2. NPTE: Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTs. The $485 exam fee is standard.
3. Jurisprudence Exam: Mississippi requires a state-specific jurisprudence exam. It’s open-book and costs $50.
4. Background Check: A fingerprint-based criminal background check is required, costing approximately $45.
5. Application Fee: The initial license application fee is $150.
6. Total Estimated Initial Cost: ~$730 (NPTE + State Fees). This does not include travel to an exam center or study materials.
7. Temporary Permit: If you have a job offer, you can apply for a temporary permit to start work while awaiting your full license. This is a common path for new graduates.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Months 1-2: Graduate, apply for NPTE, study for jurisprudence.
• Month 3: Take NPTE. Apply for MS license and temporary permit simultaneously upon passing.
• Month 4: Begin work on a temporary permit. Full license typically granted within 2-4 weeks after all paperwork is submitted.
• Total Time: 4-5 months from graduation to full-time employment is typical.

Insider Tip: The MPTA offers a "New Graduate" workshop. Attend it. It covers the licensure process in detail and connects you with local employers looking for new hires.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Hattiesburg is a compact, drivable city. Your commute is rarely an issue, which is a huge perk. Here are the top neighborhoods for PTs, balancing lifestyle, commute, and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Typical 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for PTs
Downtown & Midtown	Walkable, historic, near Hattiesburg Clinic & restaurants. 5-10 min commute to most clinics.	$950 - $1,200	Ideal for young professionals. You can bike or walk to work at the Clinic or downtown offices.
Oak Grove (South Hattiesburg)	Family-friendly, top-rated schools (Oak Grove Elementary). 10-15 min commute to hospitals.	$900 - $1,100	Great for PTs with families or planning to start one. Safe, suburban feel.
West Hattiesburg	More affordable, mix of older and new subdivisions. 10-15 min commute to VA & hospitals.	$800 - $950	Excellent value. You get more house/yard for your money. Quiet, less traffic.
The Aventine / College District	Near USM campus, vibrant, younger crowd. 5-10 min commute to clinics.	$850 - $1,000	Perfect for recent grads or those who want a lively atmosphere. Proximity to USM's aquatic center is a plus for PTs.
Lakeland (Near Ross Barnett Reservoir)	Scenic, waterfront homes, quiet. 15-20 min commute to Jackson (if needed) but 20 min to Hattiesburg clinics.	$950+	For those who want a retreat. Not ideal for a daily Hattiesburg commute, but worth considering if you work hybrid or in Jackson.

Insider Tip: Traffic is minimal. The longest commute you'll face is from West Hattiesburg to the VA Medical Center, which is about 15 minutes. Most PTs live within a 10-minute drive of their workplace.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Hattiesburg offers clear pathways for advancement, though it’s more about specialization than climbing a corporate ladder.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Clinical Specialties: Board Certification (OCS, WCS, NCS, etc.) can command a $5,000 - $10,000 salary premium. Hattiesburg Clinic and the VA value these credentials for senior roles.
• Education: Becoming a Clinical Instructor (CI) for USM’s PT program (located in Hattiesburg) is a respected side path. It offers supplemental income and bolsters your resume.
• Management: Clinic director roles at Hattiesburg Clinic or large private practices can push salaries into the $115,000 - $130,000 range.
• Entrepreneurship: Opening a niche clinic (e.g., pelvic health, pediatric PT) is viable due to the large service area of the Pine Belt (covering 4-5 counties). The lower overhead in Hattiesburg makes this more feasible than in larger cities.

10-Year Outlook:
The 10-Year Job Growth (14%) for PTs in Hattiesburg aligns with national trends and is driven by three local factors: 1) An aging population in the Pine Belt, 2) The continuous expansion of Hattiesburg Clinic and specialty services, and 3) USM’s DPT program creating a pipeline of local talent. While telehealth is growing, hands-on therapy remains dominant here. The outlook is very stable, with opportunities for those who seek them.

The Verdict: Is Hattiesburg Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely low cost of living (Index 89.3)	Limited high-end culinary/arts scene compared to major metros
Strong, stable job market with major employers	Hot, humid summers can be draining
Short, easy commutes (10-15 min typical)	Limited public transportation - a car is essential
Tight-knit healthcare community	Social scene is small - networking is key
Access to outdoor activities (reservoir, trails)	Less diversity than larger cities
Home to a DPT program (USM) - great for networking	Specialty niches are smaller - may need to create your own market

Final Recommendation:
Hattiesburg is an excellent choice for Physical Therapists who prioritize financial stability, work-life balance, and a sense of community over the amenities of a major metropolitan area. It’s ideal for:

• New graduates looking to pay down student loans aggressively.
• Mid-career therapists seeking a lower-stress environment and homeownership.
• Specialists who can fill a gap in the local market (e.g., pelvic health, neuro).

If you crave the energy of a big city, a vibrant nightlife, or a constantly changing cultural scene, Hattiesburg might feel too quiet. But if you want to build a solid career, own a home, and be part of a community where your patients and colleagues know your name, the numbers and the lived experience in Hattiesburg make a compelling case.

FAQs

1. What is the job market like for new DPT graduates in Hattiesburg?
The market is stable but competitive for the best positions. New grads often start in outpatient ortho or hospital-based rotations. Having a clinical rotation at Hattiesburg Clinic or Forrest General during school is a significant advantage. The median salary of $96,509 is more typical for someone with 1-2 years of experience; starting salaries may be closer to $75,000 - $80,000.

2. Are there opportunities for physical therapists to work in sports/orthopedics here?
Yes, but it's a defined market. Hattiesburg Clinic has a dedicated sports rehab facility, and several private practices focus on orthopedics. USM’s athletic department also hires for athletic training support. For a sports-focused PT, getting involved with local high school sports or USM athletics (as a volunteer or contractor) is a common entry point.

3. How does the cost of living in Hattiesburg compare to other MS cities?
It is among the most affordable. With a Cost of Living Index of 89.3, it’s significantly cheaper than Jackson (95) and slightly more affordable than Gulfport-Biloxi (92). The average 1BR rent of $906 is a key driver of this affordability, making your $96,509 salary go much further.

4. What is the typical patient population and practice setting?
Hattiesburg has a mix: orthopedics (sports/MSK) is big due to USM and an active population. Geriatrics is huge—driven by the VA, nursing homes, and a large retiree community. You’ll also find general outpatient, acute care (Forrest General), and home health. The variety is good for a well-rounded career.

5. Is it necessary to have a specialization to get a good job here?
Not initially, but it helps with advancement. You can get a solid job with a generalist background, especially in home health or nursing homes. However, to reach the median salary of $96,509 and beyond, specializing in areas like pelvic health, vestibular rehab, or lymphedema—where local demand exists but supply is limited—will set you apart and command a premium.