Here is a comprehensive career guide for Financial Analysts considering a move to Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Financial Analyst Career Guide: Hattiesburg, MS

As a local who has watched Hattiesburg evolve from a simple college town to a regional economic hub, I can tell you this city offers a unique blend of affordability and opportunity. For Financial Analysts, it’s a market that’s growing but still manageable—where you can build a career without battling the congestion and cost of major metros. This guide is built on hard data and local insight to help you decide if the Hub City is the right financial move for you.

The Salary Picture: Where Hattiesburg Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers. The median salary for a Financial Analyst in the Hattiesburg metro is $95,831 per year, with an hourly rate of $46.07. This is slightly below the national average of $99,010, but the cost of living more than makes up for the difference. The Hattiesburg metro has a cost of living index of 89.3 (U.S. average = 100), meaning your dollar goes about 11% further here than the national norm.

The job market is tight but stable. There are approximately 97 Financial Analyst positions in the metro area, with a 10-year job growth projection of 9%. This isn’t explosive growth, but it’s consistent and sustainable, driven by the healthcare and educational sectors that form the city’s economic backbone.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Financial Analyst salaries in Hattiesburg vary significantly based on experience. While the median is $95,831, your starting point and ceiling will depend on your credentials and industry.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Salary Range	Notes
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$65,000 - $78,000	Often found in regional banks, credit unions, or entry roles at larger corporations. A CFA Level I pass can push you toward the higher end.
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$80,000 - $110,000	The sweet spot. Analysts here often manage portfolios for local clients or work in FP&A for hospitals and manufacturers.
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$110,000 - $140,000	Typically leads teams, manages complex accounts, or works in specialized risk management. Often found at Hattiesburg Clinic or local corporate HQs.
Expert/Managerial	15+ years	$140,000 - $175,000+	Director-level roles, Chief Investment Officers for local firms, or partners at regional advisory practices. Requires CFA or CFP certifications.

Comparison to Other Mississippi Cities

Hattiesburg holds its own against other MS cities. It’s not Jackson or Gulfport-Biloxi, but it offers a different value proposition.

Metro Area	Median Salary (Financial Analyst)	Cost of Living Index (U.S. Avg = 100)	Job Market Size
Hattiesburg	$95,831	89.3	Stable (97 jobs)
Jackson	$102,500	86.1	Larger (State capital, corporate HQs)
Gulfport-Biloxi	$97,200	85.5	Tourism & Port-driven
Memphis, TN (Close MS border)	$98,500	84.7	Much larger market

Insider Tip: While Jackson offers a marginally higher salary, the competition is fiercer, and the commute can be brutal. Hattiesburg’s $95,831 median is highly competitive when paired with its $906/month average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until you see what’s left after the essentials. Let’s break down the monthly budget for a single Financial Analyst earning the median salary of $95,831.

Assumptions: Filing as Single, taking the Standard Deduction, and accounting for federal, state (4% MS income tax), and FICA taxes.

• Gross Monthly Income: $7,986
• Estimated Monthly Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$1,750
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$6,236

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR, Average)	$906	The city average. Can be as low as $750 in West Hattiesburg or $1,100+ in new complexes near USM.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$180	Hattiesburg’s climate means higher summer AC bills.
Groceries	$350	Competitive pricing at local chains like Kroger and Walmart.
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	MS has lower car insurance premiums than the national average.
Gas/Transportation	$120	Essential, as public transit is limited.
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$250	Varies widely, but this is a reasonable estimate.
Entertainment/Dining	$400	Plenty of affordable local options.
Student Loans/Savings	$1,000	Aggressive savings are possible here.
Miscellaneous	$300	Clothing, personal care, etc.
Total Monthly Expenses	$3,956
Monthly Surplus	$2,280	Comfortable room for savings, investments, or a mortgage.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a surplus of over $2,200/month, a down payment is achievable within a few years of disciplined saving. The median home price in Hattiesburg is around $215,000. A 20% down payment ($43,000) is a significant but realistic goal. The remaining mortgage, taxes, and insurance would likely fall between $1,300-$1,600/month, which is manageable on this salary.

Where the Jobs Are: Hattiesburg's Major Employers

The job market isn’t about tech giants; it’s about stable, essential institutions. Here are the key players where Financial Analysts find roles.

1. Hattiesburg Clinic: The largest private employer in the region. They have a robust finance department needing analysts for budgeting, reimbursement, and strategic financial planning for a multi-specialty clinic. Hiring is steady, often for mid-career candidates with healthcare finance knowledge.
2. Forrest General Hospital / Hattiesburg Health System: As a major medical center, they require financial analysts for revenue cycle management, cost accounting, and capital budgeting. This is a prime employer for analysts with CPA or healthcare finance certifications.
3. The University of Southern Mississippi (USM): A public R1 research university with a large budget. The Office of Financial Affairs and the USM Foundation hire analysts for endowment management, grant accounting, and operational budgeting. Academic schedules can be a perk (summers are quieter).
4. Trustmark National Bank: Headquartered in nearby Jackson but with a major presence in Hattiesburg. They offer roles in commercial lending analysis, credit risk, and branch profitability. A great path for those interested in banking.
5. Hancock Whitney Corporation: Another major regional bank with a strong Hattiesburg footprint. Similar roles to Trustmark, often focusing on commercial and consumer lending analysis.
6. Hub City Transit (The City of Hattiesburg): For public sector finance analysts. Roles involve budgeting for city services, grant management, and financial reporting. Offers excellent job security and benefits.
7. Local Manufacturing & Construction Firms: Companies like Tempur Sealy (mattress manufacturing) and large construction contractors (e.g., W.G. Yates & Sons Construction, based in nearby Philadelphia, MS, but with major projects in Hattiesburg) need internal analysts for project costing, inventory management, and financial forecasting.

Hiring Trends: Demand is strongest for analysts who can bridge the gap between accounting and operational strategy. Experience with ERP systems (like SAP or Oracle) and advanced Excel (VBA, Power Query) is a huge plus. The healthcare sector is the most consistent hirer, while banking sees more cyclical hiring tied to interest rates.

Getting Licensed in MS

Mississippi does not require a specific state license for Financial Analysts, unlike for Financial Planners (who need a Series 65 license and state registration). However, professional certifications are critical for career advancement.

• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA): The gold standard for investment analysis. Administered by the CFA Institute. Exam costs are ~$1,200-$1,500 per level. No state-specific requirements. Passing Level I is often a minimum for competitive roles.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA): Highly valued, especially in corporate finance roles. Requires a 150-hour education rule, passing the Uniform CPA Exam, and one year of work experience under a licensed CPA. The Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy oversees this. Exam fees are $1,000, plus state licensing fees ($150). It’s a 2-3 year process.
• Series Licenses (7, 63, 65): Required if you provide investment advice or sell securities. These are regulated by FINRA, not the state of MS. Your employer will sponsor you for these exams.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Immediate: If you have a relevant degree and some experience, you can apply for jobs directly. Start studying for the CFA or CPA to boost your profile.
• 6-12 Months: Complete Level I of the CFA or pass the CPA Exam sections. This will make you a standout candidate.
• 1-2 Years: Earn your full CFA charter or CPA license, which opens doors to senior and managerial positions.

Best Neighborhoods for Financial Analysts

Hattiesburg is compact, but neighborhoods have distinct vibes. Commutes are rarely over 20 minutes.

1. Hattiesburg Historic District / Downtown: Walkable, charming, with coffee shops and local eateries. Great for young professionals who want a social life without the commute. Close to the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) and some corporate offices.
   • Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,250/month for a renovated 1BR.
2. Oak Grove / West Hattiesburg: Suburban, family-friendly, and home to top-rated schools. A bit farther from downtown but offers more space and newer housing. Popular with mid-career analysts and families.
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100/month for a 1BR or townhome.
3. Midtown / Near USM: A mix of students and young professionals. Affordable rents, close to campus events and restaurants. Can be noisy during football season. Ideal for those who want a low-cost, energetic environment.
   • Rent Estimate: $750 - $950/month for a 1BR.
4. The Avenues: Older, established neighborhood with larger, character-filled homes. Offers a quiet, residential feel while being minutes from downtown. Good for those seeking a home rather than an apartment.
   • Rent Estimate (for a small house): $1,200 - $1,600/month.
5. Petal: Technically a separate city but part of the metro. Just a 10-minute drive from downtown Hattiesburg. Offers a small-town feel with its own school district and lower cost of living. Commute is easy via Hardy Street (US 98).
   • Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,000/month for a 1BR.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career trajectory in Hattiesburg will look different than in New York or Chicago. Growth is more about depth and specialization than rapid title changes.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest salary jumps come from niche skills.

  • Healthcare Finance: Analysts with experience in reimbursement models (Medicare/Medicaid) and value-based care can command a 10-15% premium at Hattiesburg Clinic or Forrest General.
  • Commercial Banking/Lending: Expertise in credit analysis and underwriting for local business sectors (agriculture, construction) is highly valued and can push you toward the $120,000+ mark.
  • Public Sector/Non-Profit: Experience with grant management and federal compliance is a rare and sought-after skill for roles at USM or city government.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Analyst -> Senior Analyst -> Finance Manager -> Director of Finance. This is the standard corporate ladder, common at larger local employers.
  2. Analyst -> Credit Officer -> Branch Manager -> VP of Commercial Lending. The banking path, focused on relationship management and risk.
  3. Analyst (Corporate) -> Consultant (Regional Firm) -> Partner. Some experienced analysts branch out to start small advisory firms serving local businesses and individuals.

• 10-Year Outlook: With 9% job growth, the market will add roughly 9 new positions over the next decade. This isn’t a boomtown, but it’s a stable one. The key to advancement will be building a strong local network. Join the Mississippi Economic Council or the Hattiesburg Area Chamber of Commerce. Most high-level jobs here are filled through referrals, not online postings.

The Verdict: Is Hattiesburg Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $95,831 salary feels like $120,000 in many other cities.	Limited Job Market: Only 97 jobs total. Moving laterally can be difficult; you may need to change industries.
Manageable Commutes: 15-20 minutes max, no traffic nightmares.	Fewer Networking Events: You’ll have to travel to Jackson or New Orleans for major industry conferences.
Strong Community Feel: Easy to build relationships with clients and colleagues.	Slower Pace: If you crave constant, high-stakes deals, it may feel too quiet.
Growth Potential: Steady 9% growth with room to specialize in healthcare or banking.	Entertainment Options: Limited compared to larger metros; you’ll drive to New Orleans (1.5 hrs) for major concerts or pro sports.
Outdoor & College Town Vibe: Access to parks, trails, and USM events.	Weather: Hot, humid summers and the occasional hurricane/tropical storm risk.

Final Recommendation: Hattiesburg is an excellent choice for Financial Analysts who value work-life balance, affordability, and community over a high-pressure, high-reward career in a major financial center. It’s ideal for mid-career professionals looking to stretch their salary, or entry-level analysts who want to build a strong foundation without being overwhelmed. It’s not the place for someone whose primary goal is to become an investment banker at a bulge-bracket firm. For a sustainable, fulfilling finance career, Hattiesburg is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. What’s the job market really like? Is it competitive?
It’s competitive but not cutthroat. With only 97 jobs, openings can fill quickly. However, the applicant pool is smaller than in larger cities. Having your CFA Level I or CPA license immediately sets you apart. Networking is key—most hires come from referrals within the tight-knit business community.

2. Do I need a car in Hattiesburg?
Yes, absolutely. Public transportation (Hub City Transit) exists but is limited in routes and frequency. A car is essential for commuting, grocery shopping, and enjoying the surrounding area. The good news is car ownership is affordable here.

3. How does the university impact the local economy and job market?
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a massive economic engine. It provides a steady stream of educated talent, a large customer base for local businesses, and direct jobs in its own finance and administration departments. It also brings cultural events, sports, and a youthful energy to the city.

4. Is it easy to transition from another state?
Yes. Mississippi’s licensing for financial roles is not a major barrier (no state-specific license for analysts). The main adjustment is the slower pace and the importance of building a local network. Joining professional groups like the Mississippi Chapter of the CFA Society can help integrate quickly.

5. What’s the worst part about being a Financial Analyst in Hattiesburg?
For some, the limited scope of complex financial instruments. You’ll rarely work on exotic derivatives or massive M&A deals. Most of the work is focused on corporate budgeting, lending, and regional investment management. You must be comfortable with a more traditional, fundamentals-focused finance world.

Data Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy, CFA Institute, local real estate market data (Zillow, RentCafe), and employer websites.