Jackson vs Starkville: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer 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 | $102,804▲ | $86,249 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.43▲ | $41.46 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,395 | $57,207▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $77,722▲ | $71,889 |
| 75th Percentile | $123,803▲ | $108,061 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,798▲ | $132,544 |
| Total Employed | 430▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Jackson, MS offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Starkville.
The salary gap between Jackson and Starkville is $16,555 (19.19%). 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 Jackson spans $116,403,Starkville spans $75,337. Jackson 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, Jackson ($115,448 effective) pays 14.71% more than Starkville ($100,641 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Starkville if…
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Jackson grew 27.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.3% growth in Starkville over the same period.
Jackson, MS
$78,360 (2019) → $100,170 (2025)
Starkville, MS
$65,004 (2024) → $84,039 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jackson, MS
Starkville, 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