Financial Analyst in Jackson, MS

For Financial Analysts in Jackson: A Practical Career Guide

Welcome to Jackson, Mississippi. If you're considering a move here for a career in financial analysis, you're looking at a market that's steady, affordable, and deeply rooted in regional commerce. This isn't a flashy, Wall Street-esque environment; it’s a place where relationship-building and understanding the local economy matter. As a local, I can tell you that Jackson offers a quality of life that’s hard to beat if you value community and a lower cost of living. This guide will cut through the noise and give you the real data you need to decide if Jackson is your next career step.

The Salary Picture: Where Jackson Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers. The financial analyst role in Jackson is competitive, but it’s important to understand how the local market compares to national averages and other hubs in Mississippi.

The median salary for a Financial Analyst in Jackson, MS, is $96,247 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.27. This is slightly below the national average salary of $99,010, a common trade-off for the region’s significantly lower cost of living. Jackson is the state's largest metro area, with 287 jobs currently listed for this role and a 10-year job growth projection of 9%, indicating a stable, if not explosive, demand.

Here’s how experience typically translates into compensation in the Jackson market:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Expected Salary Range (Jackson)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$65,000 - $80,000
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$85,000 - $110,000
Senior	8-15 years	$110,000 - $145,000
Expert/Managerial	15+ years	$145,000+

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local market observations and align with the overall median figure.

How Jackson Compares to Other Mississippi Cities:
Jackson is the primary financial hub of the state. While Biloxi/Gulfport has opportunities tied to gaming and tourism (salaries can vary widely), and Oxford is centered on the university, Jackson is where you'll find the highest concentration of corporate finance, banking, and insurance roles. Salaries in Jackson generally lead the state, though they may be slightly lower than those in larger Southern metros like Atlanta or Nashville.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $96,247 sounds solid, but what does it mean for your monthly budget? Jackson’s affordability is its strongest selling point. The Cost of Living Index is 90.7 (US avg = 100), and the average 1BR rent is $997/month.

Let’s break down a monthly budget for a single financial analyst earning the median salary.

Monthly Expense	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Pay	$8,021	($96,247 / 12)
Estimated Take-Home (After Taxes & Deductions)	$5,800 - $6,200	Assumes ~25-28% effective tax rate (federal, state, FICA)
Rent (1BR, Average)	$997	Range: $800-$1,400 depending on area
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$200	Varies by season (AC in summer is a real cost)
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	Jackson is car-dependent; insurance rates are moderate
Groceries	$350
Health Insurance (if not employer-subsidized)	$200
Entertainment/Savings/Other	$1,653 - $2,053	The "lifestyle" number

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, absolutely, and this is a major advantage. The median home price in the Jackson metro is roughly $215,000. For a median salary of $96,247, a 20% down payment ($43,000) is achievable with disciplined saving (perhaps 2-3 years). With a 30-year fixed mortgage at current rates, the monthly payment (PITI) would likely be between $1,300 and $1,500. This is very manageable on a $96,247 salary, especially compared to renting in more expensive cities. Many analysts here are homeowners by their early 30s.

Where the Jobs Are: Jackson's Major Employers

Jackson’s financial sector is anchored by "The Big Three" industries: Banking, Insurance, and Public Accounting. Here are the key players you need to know:

1. BancorpSouth (Now Cadence Bank): Headquartered in Tupelo but with a massive presence in Jackson, Cadence is a major employer for commercial loan officers, credit analysts, and corporate finance roles. They’re consistently hiring and offer strong benefits.
2. Trustmark National Bank: Another Mississippi-headquartered bank with its operational hub in Jackson. They have robust corporate finance, treasury, and internal audit divisions.
3. State Farm Insurance: Their regional office in Jackson is a huge employer for financial analysts, actuaries (entry-level roles often start here), and claims finance. Stability is their hallmark.
4. Mississippi State Treasury: As the state capital, Jackson is home to the Treasury Department, which hires financial analysts for public funds management, investment analysis, and budgeting. These are competitive, stable government jobs.
5. Regional Accounting Firms (e.g., HORNE LLP, Watkins, Eager & Co.): While not pure financial analysis, these firms have strong advisory and assurance practices that provide a clear path for CPAs to move into financial analyst or controller roles in industry.
6. University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC): One of the largest employers in the state, UMMC's finance department handles a massive budget. This is a niche but steady source of healthcare financial analyst roles.
7. AT&T (Regional Headquarters): Their network finance and operations groups in Jackson hunt for analysts with strong modeling and forecasting skills.

Hiring Trends: There's a steady demand for analysts who are proficient in SQL, Tableau, and advanced Excel. Experience with banking or insurance software is a plus. The trend is toward more data-driven analysis, so tech skills are increasingly important even in traditional finance roles.

Getting Licensed in MS

For financial analysts, state licensing is not typically required unless you are selling securities (Series 7, Series 63) or managing client portfolios (Series 65, CFA). However, certain roles, especially in trust departments or wealth management within banks, may require you to obtain these licenses sponsored by your employer.

• Required Licenses: The most common are the Series 7 (General Securities Representative) and Series 63 (Uniform Securities Agent State Law). The Series 65 (Investment Adviser Representative) is needed for fee-based advisory services. For corporate financial analysis, these are usually not mandated by the state but by the employer.
• Process & Cost: You must be employed by a FINRA-registered firm to sit for the exams. The employer will typically sponsor you and pay for the exam fees ($80-$100 per exam) and training materials. The study time required is 100-150 hours per exam. There is no state-specific "Mississippi license" for analysts; you operate under federal FINRA rules.
• Timeline: If you get a job offer, the licensing process can add 3-6 months to your start date, as you must pass the exams. This is a standard part of the onboarding process in the banking and wealth management sectors here.

Best Neighborhoods for Financial Analysts

Jackson is a city of distinct neighborhoods, and your choice will define your daily life. Commutes are generally short—20-30 minutes max across town.

1. Flowood (Northeast Jackson): The modern, suburban choice. Home to many new developments, great public schools, and easy access to the main business corridors. It's where many young professionals and families settle. Rent for a 1BR: $1,100 - $1,400.
2. Ridgeland (North of Jackson): More upscale, with a walkable "The Township" at Highland Colony Parkway. Many financial professionals live here for the restaurants, parks, and overall amenities. Rent for a 1BR: $1,200 - $1,500.
3. Belhaven (East Jackson): The historic, charming core. Full of old oaks, historic homes, and a vibrant arts scene (home to Belhaven University). It feels more "city" and is popular with younger, culturally-minded analysts. Rent for a 1BR: $900 - $1,200.
4. Brandon (East of Jackson): A family-oriented suburb with excellent schools and a slower pace. Commute is slightly longer (25-30 mins) but offers more house for the money. Rent for a 1BR: $850 - $1,100.

Insider Tip: If you don’t have a job lined up, I recommend renting in Flowood or Ridgeland first. They offer a neutral, convenient base to explore the city. If you're a renter in Belhaven, check your specific street, as conditions can vary block by block.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Jackson isn’t a "get-rich-quick" market, but it offers a sustainable, long-term career path with low cost-of-living stress.

• Specialty Premiums: The highest premiums here are for Risk Management (especially in insurance), Treasury Management, and Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A). A Senior FP&A Analyst at a local bank or hospital system can command $120,000 - $140,000. Actuarial roles, starting at State Farm, have a clear, lucrative progression.
• Advancement Paths: The ladder typically looks like: Financial Analyst -> Senior Analyst -> Finance Manager -> Controller or Director of Finance. Many executives in Jackson companies are homegrown and have spent their entire careers here. Networking within the Mississippi Economic Council or local CFA Society events is crucial.
• 10-Year Outlook: With 9% job growth projected, the market will expand gradually. The biggest opportunities will be for analysts who can bridge the gap between traditional finance and data science. Expect more roles in "Business Intelligence" within finance departments. The stable presence of large employers (State Farm, banks) ensures resilience against economic downturns.

The Verdict: Is Jackson Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your $96,247 salary provides a comfortable lifestyle and homeownership potential.	Car-Dependent City: Public transit is limited. You'll need a reliable vehicle.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by banks, insurance, and state government. Low turnover.	Limited High-End Specialties: Fewer roles in investment banking, private equity, or cutting-edge tech finance.
Short Commutes: 15-25 minutes is typical, freeing up personal time.	Cultural & Social Scene is Smaller: It's not a bustle, which can feel quiet if you're used to a major metropolis.
Strong Community & Networking: It’s easy to build deep professional relationships.	Weather: Summers are hot and humid.
Slower Pace of Life: Less pressure, better work-life balance.	Regional Economy Ties: Heavily influenced by state politics and agricultural cycles.

Final Recommendation: Jackson is an excellent choice for financial analysts who prioritize financial stability, homeownership, and a balanced lifestyle over the cutthroat pace of major coastal cities. It’s ideal for mid-career professionals looking to settle down, as well as for those early in their careers who want to build a solid foundation without being buried by rent. If your goal is to work in a niche like jet finance or fintech, look elsewhere. But if you want a respectable salary where your money goes far and you can be home for dinner, Jackson delivers.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for a financial analyst in Jackson?
It's competitive for the best roles at top employers (Trustmark, State Farm), but not in a "hundreds of applicants" way. Having a CPA or CFA designation is a significant differentiator. Networking is key, as many jobs are filled through referrals.

2. Is a car absolutely necessary?
Yes. Jackson is a sprawling city. While some neighborhoods like Belhaven or The Fondren are walkable for daily errands, getting to work, the airport, or most amenities requires a car. Plan for a car payment, insurance, and gas in your budget.

3. What’s the best way to network for finance jobs in Jackson?
Join the Mississippi Economic Council (MEC), attend events hosted by the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, and connect with the local CFA Society Mississippi. Also, don’t underestimate informal networking at places like the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame or community events—relationships matter here.

4. How does the salary progression look?
You can expect moderate increases. Moving from entry to mid-level might see a 20-30% bump. The leap to senior/managerial is where significant jumps occur (from ~$100k to ~$130k+). Staying with one employer for 5+ years often leads to solid raises, but changing companies can yield a better increase.

5. What’s the single biggest surprise for newcomers?
The sense of community. In finance, you might be working with the same people for years, and the professional network feels smaller and more accessible than in a large city. This can be a pro or a con depending on your personality.

Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, MS Department of Employment Security, Zillow Rent Data, Cost of Living Index (COLI), and local market observations.