Jackson vs Starkville: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Jackson, MS and Starkville, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jackson, MS | Starkville, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $109,370 | $139,320▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.58 | $66.98▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,380 | $80,805▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,546 | $100,311▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $145,659 | $178,329▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $196,899 | $215,946▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,390▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Starkville, MS offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Jackson.
The salary gap between Jackson and Starkville is $29,950 (27.38%). Starkville's median is -16.66% 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,Starkville spans $135,141. Starkville 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, Starkville ($162,567 effective) pays 32.36% 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 Starkville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,320/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($215,946)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $162,567)
- ✓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 Starkville over the same period.
Jackson, MS
$94,590 (2019) → $104,460 (2025)
Starkville, MS
$87,505 (2024) → $133,066 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jackson, MS
Starkville, 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