Columbus vs Hattiesburg: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Columbus, MS and Hattiesburg, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, MS | Hattiesburg, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,401 | $91,320▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.10 | $43.91▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,867▲ | $45,404 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,394▲ | $67,767 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,717 | $117,624▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $123,865 | $153,729▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 60▲ |
Verdict
Hattiesburg, MS offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Columbus and Hattiesburg is $7,919 (9.50%). Hattiesburg's median is -11.76% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $66,998,Hattiesburg spans $108,325. Hattiesburg has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Hattiesburg ($104,207 effective) pays 7.08% more than Columbus ($97,317 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Hattiesburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($91,320/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($153,729)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,207)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Columbus grew 29.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.0% growth in Hattiesburg over the same period.
Columbus, MS
$62,858 (2024) → $81,264 (2025)
Hattiesburg, MS
$73,510 (2019) → $88,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, MS
Hattiesburg, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Columbus or Hattiesburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Hattiesburg?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Hattiesburg as a civil engineer?
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov