Columbus vs Jackson: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Columbus, MS and Jackson, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, MS | Jackson, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,721▲ | $109,370 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.77▲ | $52.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,138▲ | $64,380 |
| 25th Percentile | $96,999▲ | $80,546 |
| 75th Percentile | $172,442▲ | $145,659 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $208,817▲ | $196,899 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 1,390▲ |
Verdict
Columbus, MS offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Jackson.
The salary gap between Columbus and Jackson is $25,351 (23.18%). Columbus's median is -19.41% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $130,679,Jackson spans $132,519. Jackson has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced lawyers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbus ($157,201 effective) pays 27.99% more than Jackson ($122,821 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($134,721/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($208,817)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $157,201)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Jackson if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,390 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Columbus grew 52.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.4% growth in Jackson over the same period.
Columbus, MS
$84,616 (2024) → $128,673 (2025)
Jackson, MS
$94,590 (2019) → $104,460 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, MS
Jackson, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Columbus or Jackson?
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Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov