Here is a comprehensive career guide for Human Resources Specialists considering a move to Jackson, Mississippi.

Career Guide: Human Resources Specialist in Jackson, Mississippi

As a local career analyst, I’ve watched Jackson’s job market evolve through economic booms, busts, and resilience. For Human Resources Specialists, this city offers a unique blend of Southern hospitality, a tight-knit professional network, and a cost of living that makes a solid salary stretch further than in most places. This guide cuts through the noise with data, local insights, and practical steps to help you decide if the Capital City is your next career move.

The Salary Picture: Where Jackson Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers. In Jackson, the median salary for a Human Resources Specialist is $65,762/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.62/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $67,650/year, but don’t let that fool you. When you factor in Jackson’s cost of living—more on that later—your paycheck can have significantly more purchasing power here than in larger metros.

The job market is stable but competitive, with approximately 287 HR Specialist jobs in the metro area. Over the next decade, we’re projecting a 8% job growth, which is healthy and suggests steady demand, especially as local industries like healthcare, education, and logistics continue to expand.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level. Note that these are estimates based on local market data and national trends adjusted for the Jackson metro.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Jackson, MS)	Key Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$42,000 - $55,000	Often starts in generalist roles at smaller firms or in HR assistant positions at larger employers like St. Dominic Hospital.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$58,000 - $72,000	Specialization begins (e.g., benefits, recruitment). Likely at companies like Trustmark or the state government.
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$70,000 - $85,000	Managing teams, strategic planning. Common at major employers like Nissan or the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
Expert (15+ yrs)	$85,000+	Leadership roles (HR Director, VP of HR). Often at large corporations, healthcare systems, or in consulting.

Insider Tip: While the median is $65,762, professionals with SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification often command salaries at the higher end of these ranges. In Jackson, credentials matter, and the local SHRM chapter is very active for networking.

Comparison to Other Mississippi Cities

Jackson is the state’s largest metro, but it’s not the highest paying. Here’s a quick comparison to give you context:

• Jackson: Median $65,762. Largest job pool (287 jobs), most diverse industries.
• Gulfport-Biloxi: Median ~$62,500. Driven by tourism and gaming; cost of living is slightly higher near the coast.
• Hattiesburg: Median ~$58,000. Smaller market centered on education (University of Southern Mississippi) and military (Camp Shelby).
• Tupelo: Median ~$60,000. Strong manufacturing base (Furniture Row), but fewer HR specialist roles.

Jackson offers the best balance of salary, job volume, and career growth opportunities in the state.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $65,762 looks different after taxes and essential expenses. Let’s break down a monthly budget for a single HR Specialist earning this exact amount.

Assumptions: Filing as single, taking the standard deduction, and accounting for federal tax (approx. 12% marginal rate), FICA (7.65%), and Mississippi state tax (5%). Total estimated tax burden is roughly 22-25%.

• Gross Monthly Income: $65,762 / 12 = $5,480
• Estimated Net Monthly Income (after taxes): ~ $4,160

Now, let’s allocate this income. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Jackson is $997/month.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$997	This is the city average. You can find options from $750 to $1,300 depending on the neighborhood.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Internet)	$200	Jackson’s climate means higher AC bills in summer.
Groceries	$350	Comparable to national averages.
Transportation (Car Payment, Insurance, Gas)	$450	Crucial: Jackson is a car-dependent city. Public transit (JATRAN) is limited.
Health Insurance (Employer-Sponsored)	$150	Average employee contribution.
Savings/Retirement (401k match)	$200	Contributing to get the employer match is highly recommended.
Miscellaneous (Dining, Entertainment, Personal Care)	$400
Total Essentials & Discretionary	$2,747
Remaining (Net Income - Total)	~$1,413

Can they afford to buy a home? With a remaining $1,413 after essential expenses, saving for a down payment is feasible. The median home price in Jackson is around $180,000. A 20% down payment is $36,000. If you save $1,000/month, you could reach that goal in 3 years. Many Jackson neighborhoods offer great value for first-time homebuyers. This is a significant advantage over markets like Nashville or Atlanta.

Where the Jobs Are: Jackson's Major Employers

Jackson’s economy is anchored in healthcare, government, education, and a growing corporate sector. HR Specialists are needed across all these industries.

1. University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC): The state’s only academic medical center and largest employer. UMMC is constantly hiring for HR generalists, recruiters, and benefits specialists. They offer excellent benefits, including tuition assistance, which is a major perk for career development.
2. Trustmark National Bank: A major regional bank headquartered in Jackson. They have a sizable HR department and hire for roles in talent acquisition, employee relations, and compliance. Stability is a key factor here.
3. Nissan North America: While the manufacturing plant in Canton (just north of Jackson) is the main site, Nissan’s corporate and regional offices in the Jackson metro employ HR professionals for both plant and administrative staff. Hiring trends here are linked to auto industry cycles.
4. St. Dominic Hospital / Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System: Another healthcare giant. St. Dominic is a major trauma center and frequently post openings for HR coordinators and specialists, particularly those with healthcare industry experience.
5. State of Mississippi Government: Jackson is the state capital, so government agencies (like the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, Department of Finance & Administration) are constant sources of HR jobs. These roles offer strong job security and pensions, though salaries may be at the lower end of the scale.
6. C-Spire: A regional telecommunications company headquartered in nearby Ridgeland. They have a corporate office and are known for a strong company culture, making their HR team active in recruitment and employee engagement.
7. Jackson Public Schools (JPS): The largest school district in the state. They have a central HR department that handles all certified and non-certified staff. Hiring is often seasonal, aligning with the academic calendar.

Hiring Trends: The healthcare sector is the most consistent hirer. There’s also a quiet but steady demand from small-to-midsize businesses (SMBs) in the area that are growing and need their first dedicated HR professional. Networking through the local SHRM chapter is the best way to tap into the unadvertised SMB job market.

Getting Licensed in MS

Mississippi does not have a state-specific license for HR professionals. However, the value of national certifications is immense, and the path to getting them is straightforward.

Primary Certifications:

• SHRM-CP (Society for Human Resource Management - Certified Professional): For early- to mid-career professionals.
• SHRM-SCP (SHRM - Senior Certified Professional): For senior-level specialists and leaders.
• PHR (Professional in Human Resources) / SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources): Offered by HRCI. Slightly more focused on operational HR.

Requirements & Costs:

• Eligibility: Varies by certification. For SHRM-CP, you need a combination of education and HR experience (e.g., a bachelor’s degree plus 1 year of HR experience, or 3+ years without a degree).
• Cost: Exam fees range from $300 (member) to $400 (non-member) for SHRM certifications. Study materials and prep courses can add another $200-$500.
• Timeline: Most professionals spend 2-4 months studying. The exams are offered during testing windows throughout the year.

Insider Tip: The Mississippi SHRM State Council is one of the most active in the country. They offer local study groups, which are invaluable for passing the exam. Attending a meeting or two before you even move can help you build a network. Find them on LinkedIn or via the national SHRM website.

Best Neighborhoods for Human Resources Specialists

Where you live in Jackson impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of top areas:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent	Best For
Fondren	Walkable, artsy, medical district adjacent. 10-15 mins to UMMC, St. Dominic, and downtown.	$1,000 - $1,250	Young professionals, those who want a vibrant social scene without a long commute.
Ridgeland (North of Jackson)	Suburban, corporate. Home to many HQs (C-Spire, banks). Commute to central Jackson is 20-25 mins.	$1,100 - $1,400	Those working in the corporate sector, families, and anyone preferring a quieter, more modern environment.
Flowood	Family-friendly, with great schools and amenities. 20-25 mins to downtown Jackson. Close to the airport.	$950 - $1,200	HR specialists with families or those who prioritize school districts and suburban comfort.
Belhaven	Historic, charming, with tree-lined streets. Close to Belhaven University and downtown. 10-15 mins to most jobs.	$850 - $1,100	Those who love historic architecture and a tight-knit community feel. A bit quieter than Fondren.
Madison (City)	Affluent suburb, excellent schools, very safe. 25-35 mins to downtown Jackson.	$1,200 - $1,500+	Senior-level HR professionals with families who can afford the higher rent and value top-tier schools.

Commute Reality Check: Traffic in Jackson is generally manageable compared to larger cities, but it is car-centric. A reliable vehicle is a necessity. I-55 and I-20 are the main arteries, and rush hour can add 10-15 minutes to your commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Jackson’s HR career path is about specialization and networking.

Specialty Premiums:

• Compensation & Benefits: In high demand at large employers like UMMC and Nissan. Can add a 10-15% salary premium.
• Talent Acquisition: Especially for healthcare and skilled trades (like at Nissan). Premium of 5-10%.
• HRIS/Data Analytics: A growing niche. Those proficient with Workday, SAP, or advanced Excel can command higher salaries, as many local companies are modernizing their systems.

Advancement Paths:
The typical path is HR Assistant → HR Generalist → HR Specialist (e.g., Talent Acquisition, Benefits) → HR Manager → HR Director. In Jackson, moving from a generalist to a specialist role at a mid-sized company is the key pivot to a higher salary. From there, moving to a larger corporation or healthcare system for a manager role is the next step.

10-Year Outlook (8% Growth):
The 8% job growth will be driven by:

1. Healthcare Expansion: UMMC and other systems are constantly growing.
2. Corporate Retention: As competition for talent increases, even mid-size companies are investing in their HR functions.
3. Succession Planning: Many local leaders are approaching retirement, creating openings for the next generation of HR managers.

The Verdict: Is Jackson Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your $65,762 salary goes much further than in national markets.	Car Dependency: Limited public transportation makes a vehicle a must.
Stable Job Market: Strong healthcare and government sectors provide consistent employment.	Salary Ceiling: Top-end salaries may be lower than in major metros like Houston or Dallas.
Tight-Knit Professional Network: Easy to get to know key players in the local HR community.	Weather: Hot, humid summers and the occasional severe weather event.
Slower Pace of Life: Less stress and congestion compared to larger cities.	Limited Niche Industries: Fewer opportunities in tech or specialized manufacturing.
Gateway to the South: Central location for exploring the rest of the region.	Economic Inequality: Visible in different neighborhoods and school districts.

Final Recommendation:
Jackson is an excellent choice for HR Specialists at the mid-career level who value work-life balance, affordability, and a close professional community. It’s ideal if you’re looking to buy a home, raise a family, or simply stretch your salary without sacrificing career opportunities. It may be less suitable for those at the very top of the compensation scale or who thrive in a fast-paced, high-intensity corporate environment.

For the right person, Jackson offers a sustainable, rewarding career path in HR.

FAQs

1. Is the job market for HR Specialists in Jackson competitive?
Yes, but it’s a healthy competition. With 287 jobs in the metro, there are opportunities. The key is to have your resume tailored to local industries (healthcare, government, banking) and to network through the Mississippi SHRM chapter. Many jobs are filled through referrals.

2. Do I need to be SHRM certified to get a job here?
Not always, but it’s highly recommended, especially for mid-to-senior roles. Many job postings for HR Generalist and Specialist roles list SHRM-CP or PHR as a "preferred" or "required" qualification. It’s a clear differentiator in the local market.

3. What’s the commute like from the suburbs (e.g., Madison/Flowood) to downtown Jackson?
Expect a 20-35 minute drive, depending on traffic. Most people commute via I-55 (from Madison) or I-20/US-51 (from Flowood). Rush hour (7-8 AM and 4:30-5:30 PM) adds about 10-15 minutes. It’s very manageable compared to larger cities.

4. How does the cost of living in Jackson affect my salary?
Jackson’s Cost of Living Index is 90.7 (US avg = 100). This means your $65,762 salary has roughly the same purchasing power as $72,500 nationally. The biggest savings come from housing, where the average 1BR rent of $997 is significantly below the national average.

5. Are there opportunities for remote HR work based in Jackson?
Yes, the trend is growing. Many national companies hire remote HR professionals, and some local employers offer hybrid schedules. However, for roles that require on-site presence (like benefits administration or employee relations at a hospital), you will likely need to be local. Having a strong local network can sometimes lead to remote-friendly roles with national companies that have a presence in Mississippi.

*Sources: Data is compiled from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, local real estate market reports (Zillow, RentCafe), the Mississippi State Board of Accountancy (for general licensing info), and local industry analysis. Salary data is presented as provided: Median Salary $65,762/year, Hourly Rate $31.62/hour, National Average $67,650/year, Jobs in Metro 287, 10-Year Job Growth 8%.*