Hattiesburg vs Jackson: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Hattiesburg, MS and Jackson, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hattiesburg, MS | Jackson, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,686 | $109,370▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.08 | $52.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,209 | $64,380▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $64,631 | $80,546▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $125,431 | $145,659▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $167,813 | $196,899▲ |
| Total Employed | 160 | 1,390▲ |
Verdict
Jackson, MS offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hattiesburg.
The salary gap between Hattiesburg and Jackson is $17,684 (19.29%). Jackson's median is -34.58% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hattiesburg spans $116,604,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, Jackson ($122,821 effective) pays 17.39% more than Hattiesburg ($104,625 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hattiesburg if…
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Jackson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($109,370/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($196,899)
- ✓Larger job market (1,390 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $122,821)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Hattiesburg grew 20.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.4% growth in Jackson over the same period.
Hattiesburg, MS
$72,920 (2019) → $87,570 (2025)
Jackson, MS
$94,590 (2019) → $104,460 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hattiesburg, MS
Jackson, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
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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