Hattiesburg vs Jackson: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer 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 | $91,320 | $102,804▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.91 | $49.43▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,404 | $56,395▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $67,767 | $77,722▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $117,624 | $123,803▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $153,729 | $172,798▲ |
| Total Employed | 60 | 430▲ |
Verdict
Jackson, MS offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hattiesburg.
The salary gap between Hattiesburg and Jackson is $11,484 (12.58%). Jackson's median is -0.66% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hattiesburg spans $108,325,Jackson spans $116,403. Jackson 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, Jackson ($115,448 effective) pays 10.79% more than Hattiesburg ($104,207 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 ($102,804/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,798)
- ✓Larger job market (430 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,448)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Hattiesburg grew 21.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.8% growth in Jackson over the same period.
Hattiesburg, MS
$73,510 (2019) → $88,980 (2025)
Jackson, MS
$78,360 (2019) → $100,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hattiesburg, MS
Jackson, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Hattiesburg or Jackson?
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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