Hattiesburg vs Meridian: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Hattiesburg, MS and Meridian, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hattiesburg, MS | Meridian, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,320▲ | $84,081 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.91▲ | $40.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,404 | $59,207▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $67,767▲ | $67,501 |
| 75th Percentile | $117,624▲ | $105,996 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $153,729▲ | $130,282 |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Hattiesburg, MS offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Meridian.
The salary gap between Hattiesburg and Meridian is $7,239 (8.61%). 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 Hattiesburg spans $108,325,Meridian spans $71,075. Hattiesburg 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, Hattiesburg ($104,207 effective) pays 6.21% more than Meridian ($98,111 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Meridian if…
- ✓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 29.3% growth in Meridian over the same period.
Hattiesburg, MS
$73,510 (2019) → $88,980 (2025)
Meridian, MS
$63,370 (2024) → $81,926 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hattiesburg, MS
Meridian, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
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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