Jackson vs Laurel: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Jackson, MS and Laurel, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jackson, MS | Laurel, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $109,370 | $132,501▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.58 | $63.70▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,380 | $76,851▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,546 | $95,401▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $145,659 | $169,601▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $196,899 | $205,376▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,390▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Laurel, MS offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Jackson.
The salary gap between Jackson and Laurel is $23,131 (21.15%). Laurel's median is -20.74% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jackson spans $132,519,Laurel spans $128,525. Jackson has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Laurel ($154,610 effective) pays 25.88% 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 Jackson if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,390 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Laurel if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,501/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($205,376)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $154,610)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Jackson grew 10.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 52.1% growth in Laurel over the same period.
Jackson, MS
$94,590 (2019) → $104,460 (2025)
Laurel, MS
$83,222 (2024) → $126,553 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jackson, MS
Laurel, 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