Data Analyst in Hattiesburg, MS

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Data Analysts considering a move to Hattiesburg, MS.

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The Salary Picture: Where Hattiesburg Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Hattiesburg offers a unique value proposition for data professionals. The cost of living is significantly lower than the national average, but the salary potential remains competitive, especially when you factor in local demand. The median salary for a Data Analyst here is $80,684/year, translating to an hourly rate of $38.79/hour. While this sits slightly below the national average of $83,360/year, the real story is in the purchasing power. With a Cost of Living Index of 89.3 (US avg = 100), that local salary stretches much further.

The job market here is stable and growing. The metro area supports 97 Data Analyst positions, and the 10-year job growth projection is a robust 36%. This growth is driven by the expansion of healthcare, education, and logistics sectors, all of which rely heavily on data.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Hattiesburg area:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$55,000 - $70,000	Basic reporting, data cleaning, SQL queries, assisting senior analysts.
Mid-Level	$70,000 - $85,000	Independent analysis, dashboard creation (Power BI/Tableau), stakeholder communication.
Senior	$85,000 - $100,000+	Leading projects, advanced statistical modeling, mentoring juniors, strategy input.
Expert/Lead	$100,000+	Departmental leadership, complex predictive analytics, cross-functional strategy.

How does Hattiesburg compare to other Mississippi cities?
While Jackson has more government and corporate roles, salaries there are only marginally higher, and the cost of living is significantly steeper. Gulfport-Biloxi's market is heavily tied to tourism and gaming data, which can be volatile. Hattiesburg's strength is its stability, anchored by "The Hub City's" two major universities and healthcare systems. For a mid-career analyst, the $80,684 median here often provides a higher quality of life than a slightly higher salary in a more expensive metro.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your budget. Using the median $80,684 salary, here’s a monthly breakdown for a single filer (approximate taxes: 22% federal, 5% state, 7.65% FICA).

• Gross Monthly: $6,724
• Estimated Net (After Taxes): ~$4,400
• Average 1BR Rent: $906/month
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Savings: ~$3,494

This leaves a healthy buffer. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Hattiesburg is $906/month. You can find modern apartments in the Midtown or West Hattiesburg areas for this price, while historic homes in the Oak Grove school district will command a premium.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Hattiesburg is around $180,000-$220,000. With the remaining monthly income after rent and taxes, a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $200,000 home would be roughly $1,400-$1,600. This is well within the recommended 28-30% of gross income. Many local analysts I know purchased homes within 2-3 years of moving here, a feat that would be much harder in a high-cost coastal city.

Where the Jobs Are: Hattiesburg's Major Employers

Hattiesburg's economy is a triad of healthcare, education, and logistics. Data analysts are crucial in all three. Here are the key players:

1. Forrest General Hospital & Hattiesburg Clinic: As the largest private employer, they have a massive need for analysts in operations, patient outcomes, and financial data. The healthcare sector is the most consistent source of new data roles here.
2. The University of Southern Mississippi (USM): USM's College of Business and its research departments hire analysts for institutional research, student success metrics, and grant-funded projects. It's also a pipeline for recruiting new talent.
3. William Carey University: Another major employer, particularly for analysts with an interest in educational data and accreditation reporting.
4. Hattiesburg Public School District: With a focus on student performance metrics and federal reporting, the district maintains a small team of data analysts.
5. Local Logistics & Manufacturing: Companies like Rush Enterprises and various suppliers for the nearby Nissan plant in Canton rely on supply chain and logistics analysts. The Port of Gulfport also has a spillover effect on logistics data needs in Hattiesburg.
6. Mississippi Power: A key regional utility company that employs data analysts for grid management, customer usage trends, and outage prediction.

Hiring Trends: There's a growing demand for analysts who are not just SQL and Excel whizzes, but who can also communicate findings to non-technical stakeholders. Proficiency in Power BI is particularly valued in the healthcare and education sectors here, while Python and R are more common in university research and advanced logistics roles.

Getting Licensed in MS

For data analysts, formal state licensing is not a requirement. Unlike accountants or engineers, there is no specific "Data Analyst" license from the Mississippi State Board of Accountancy or any other state agency.

Instead, the barrier to entry is certification. While not mandatory, these certifications dramatically boost your credibility and salary potential:

• Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate: Excellent for entry-level candidates. Cost: ~$49/month on Coursera. Timeline: 3-6 months.
• Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate: Focuses on Power BI. Highly relevant for local healthcare and corporate jobs. Exam cost: $165. Timeline: 1-3 months of study.
• SAS Certified Base Programmer: Valued in healthcare and research. Exam cost: $180 (for the first attempt). Timeline: 2-4 months.

Timeline to Get Started: If you have a bachelor's degree (any field, but business, math, or computer science is ideal), you can start applying for entry-level jobs immediately. If you're career-switching, plan for a 6-month period of upskilling with certifications and building a portfolio of projects. Hattiesburg employers are pragmatic; they care more about your portfolio and problem-solving ability than a specific degree.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Where you live in Hattiesburg will define your commute and lifestyle. The city is spread out, so proximity to your employer matters.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Typical Rent (1BR/2BR)	Insider Tip
Midtown	Walkable, historic, near USM and downtown. Young professional vibe. 10-15 min to most employers.	$950 / $1,200	Great for networking; many young analysts live here. The Hattiesburg Arts District is a perk.
West Hattiesburg	Modern, suburban, near I-59/I-98. Close to Forrest General. 15-20 min commute.	$900 / $1,150	Best for newer apartment complexes and easy access to shopping.
Oak Grove	Upscale, family-oriented, top-rated school district. 20-25 min commute to downtown.	$1,100 / $1,400	Ideal if you're planning to buy a home. The neighborhood feel is strong.
Hattiesburg Proper (Downtown)	Revitalizing, historic, some grit. Very short commutes if you work downtown.	$800 / $1,000	A bit quieter on weekends. You'll need to research specific blocks carefully.
Petal (Just South)	Separate city, small-town feel, excellent schools. 15-25 min commute to Hattiesburg jobs.	$850 / $1,100	Lower cost of living, but you're still minutes from the Hattiesburg job market.

Local Insight: The traffic on Hardy Street (MS-98) and I-59 during rush hour can add 10-15 minutes to your commute. Living west of I-59 (West Hattiesburg) gives you a reverse commute if you work at USM or downtown.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Hattiesburg, career growth is more about specialization than climbing a corporate ladder. Here’s how to increase your earning power:

• Specialty Premiums: Analysts with healthcare data expertise (HIPAA compliance, clinical outcomes) can command a 10-15% premium due to the dominance of Forrest General and Hattiesburg Clinic. Logistics/supply chain analysts also see a boost, tied to the regional distribution network.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is:
  1. Data Analyst (0-3 years) -> Senior Analyst (3-7 years).
  2. From Senior, you can move into:
     • Management: Lead a team of analysts (e.g., at a hospital system).
     • Specialist: Become the go-to expert for a specific tool (e.g., Power BI Architect).
     • Data Scientist: Requires advanced stats/ML skills, but fewer local roles; often remote work is the path here.
• 10-Year Outlook: With 36% job growth, the market will expand. However, the highest-paying roles (six figures) will likely remain with the major employers (health systems, USM) or require seeking remote positions from national companies while living in Hattiesburg. The key is building a specialty that makes you indispensable locally.

The Verdict: Is Hattiesburg Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High Purchasing Power: Your $80,684 salary goes much further than in major metros.	Limited Senior Roles: The market for true expert-level (15+ years) local roles is small.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by recession-resistant healthcare and education.	Slower Pace of Innovation: Tech ecosystems are smaller than in Austin or Atlanta.
Friendly, Community Vibe: Easy to network and build a reputation.	Dependence on Car Culture: Public transit is limited; a car is a necessity.
Outdoor & Culture Access: Pine Belt forests, college sports, and a burgeoning arts scene.	Limited Diversity in Specialties: Most roles are in healthcare, education, or logistics.
Short Commutes: 15-20 minutes is the norm, freeing up personal time.	Weather: Summers are hot and humid; hurricane season is a consideration.

Final Recommendation:
Hattiesburg is an excellent choice for mid-career data analysts and those prioritizing work-life balance and financial stability. It's perfect for someone who wants to own a home, enjoy a slower pace, and still build a solid career. It's less ideal for someone seeking the fast-paced, high-growth startup scene or who specializes in a very niche tech field. If you value community, affordability, and a stable career path, Hattiesburg is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car in Hattiesburg?
Yes, absolutely. The city is designed for cars. Public transportation exists but is not reliable for daily commutes. The good news? Traffic is minimal compared to larger cities, and parking is generally free and plentiful.

2. Is the tech scene growing?
It's growing steadily but not explosively. The growth is tied to the expansion of existing employers (hospitals, universities) digitizing their operations, not a flood of new tech startups. This means stable, long-term jobs rather than volatile startup roles.

3. How competitive is the job market for newcomers?
It's moderately competitive. Employers value local knowledge and a demonstrated interest in the community. Tailor your applications to highlight how your skills can solve problems specific to healthcare, education, or logistics. Networking at USM events or local tech meetups (like the Hattiesburg Coders) is highly effective.

4. What's the best way to find a job here?
Beyond LinkedIn and Indeed, check the career pages of Forrest Health, USM, and the City of Hattiesburg directly. The Mississippi Works portal is also a state-run resource that lists local jobs. Many positions are filled through word-of-mouth, so let people know you're looking.

5. Can I work remotely for a company outside Hattiesburg?
Yes, and many do! Taking a $100,000 remote salary and living on Hattiesburg's cost of living is the ultimate financial strategy. The local infrastructure (decent broadband, quiet neighborhoods) supports this. Just be mindful of time zone differences if you're working with a West Coast company.