Horn Lake vs Jackson: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Horn Lake, MS and Jackson, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Horn Lake, MS | Jackson, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,889 | $102,804▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.77 | $49.43▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,697▲ | $56,395 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,934 | $77,722▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $107,753 | $123,803▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $134,677 | $172,798▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 430▲ |
Verdict
Jackson, MS offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Horn Lake.
The salary gap between Horn Lake and Jackson is $15,915 (18.32%). 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 Horn Lake spans $75,980,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 13.87% more than Horn Lake ($101,387 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Horn Lake 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 Horn Lake grew 29.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.8% growth in Jackson over the same period.
Horn Lake, MS
$65,486 (2024) → $84,662 (2025)
Jackson, MS
$78,360 (2019) → $100,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Horn Lake, MS
Jackson, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Horn Lake or Jackson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Horn Lake and Jackson?
Should I relocate from Horn Lake to Jackson as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Horn Lake vs Jackson?
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