Pharmacist in Hattiesburg, MS

The Salary Picture: Where Hattiesburg Stands

As a pharmacist considering Hattiesburg, the first thing you need to understand is that while the city offers a lower cost of living, your salary will likely be below the national average. The local median salary for a pharmacist in the Hattiesburg metro area is $131,663 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $63.30 per hour. For comparison, the national average salary for pharmacists is $136,030 per year, meaning Hattiesburg pharmacists earn about 3% less than their peers across the country.

Despite this slight dip in pay, the roles and responsibilities remain demanding. The Hattiesburg metro area, which includes Forrest and Lamar counties, offers approximately 97 pharmacist positions. However, the 10-year job growth projection for this field is -3%, indicating a slight contraction. This isn't unique to Hattiesburg—it's a national trend influenced by pharmacy automation, retail consolidation, and a slight oversupply of graduates. The key is targeting employers who value clinical services, such as hospital systems or independent pharmacies, where your expertise is less easily automated.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect based on experience level:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary (Hattiesburg)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$115,000 - $125,000	Staff pharmacist duties, verification, patient counseling, basic immunizations.
Mid-Career (4-9 years)	$130,000 - $140,000	Increased clinical roles (anticoagulation, diabetes management), medication therapy management (MTM), potential for lead pharmacist roles.
Senior/Expert (10+ years)	$145,000+	Specialty pharmacy (oncology, infectious disease), pharmacy management, consultant roles, or owner/operator of an independent pharmacy.

Insider Tip: While the base salary might be modest, many Hattiesburg pharmacists supplement their income through per-diem work at multiple facilities. It's common to see pharmacists working 2-3 days a week at a local hospital and picking up weekend shifts at a retail chain. This flexibility can push your effective hourly rate higher.

Comparison to Other Mississippi Cities:

• Jackson: As the state capital and largest metro, Jackson offers higher salaries ($138,000 - $155,000) and more jobs, but the cost of living is also higher, and the commute can be challenging.
• Gulfport-Biloxi: This coastal area has a similar salary range to Hattiesburg but is heavily influenced by seasonal population shifts and a different healthcare landscape (more focus on trauma and travel medicine).
• Oxford: Home to the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), Oxford has a competitive market with a strong academic medical center and a large retail presence, often paying $132,000 - $145,000. However, the housing market is tight and more expensive.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. A pharmacist earning the median salary of $131,663 in Hattiesburg has a significant financial advantage due to the city's low cost of living. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $906 per month, and the overall Cost of Living Index is 89.3 (100 is the national average). This means your dollar stretches about 10.7% further here than the national average.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for an individual earning $131,663/year (approx. $10,972/month gross):

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes & Details
Gross Income	$10,972	Based on the median salary.
Taxes (Federal, State, FICA)	$2,800 - $3,200	MS has a progressive income tax (0%-5%). This is a conservative estimate for a single filer.
Net Income (After Tax)	$7,772 - $8,172	Your take-home pay.
Rent (1BR in a nice area)	$900 - $1,100	You can easily afford a modern 1BR in a safe, convenient neighborhood.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$200 - $250	Summers are hot and humid, so A/C costs can be significant.
Groceries & Household	$400 - $500	Access to multiple grocery chains and local farmers' markets keeps this reasonable.
Transportation (Car Payment/Insurance/Gas)	$500 - $700	Hattiesburg is car-dependent. A reliable vehicle is a must.
Health Insurance (if not fully covered)	$200 - $300	Many employers offer good coverage, but premiums can vary.
Retirement & Savings (10-15%)	$800 - $1,200	Critical to do this early, given the slower national job growth.
Discretionary Spending (Entertainment, Dining, etc.)	$500 - $800	Hattiesburg has a vibrant downtown scene, college sports, and outdoor activities.
Remaining Buffer/Savings	$1,200 - $2,300	A very comfortable buffer for unexpected expenses or accelerated savings.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a take-home pay of over $7,700/month and rent at $900, saving for a down payment is highly feasible. The median home price in Hattiesburg is in the $150,000 - $180,000 range. A 20% down payment would be $30,000 - $36,000, which could be saved in 2-3 years with disciplined budgeting. A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $160,000 home would be roughly $900 - $1,100, similar to the cost of a nice 1-bedroom apartment. This makes homeownership a very attainable goal.

Where the Jobs Are: Hattiesburg's Major Employers

The job market for pharmacists in Hattiesburg is stable but competitive. The key is to look beyond the big-box retail chains and target employers who offer clinical roles and career growth. Here are the major players:

1. Forrest General Hospital / Hattiesburg Health System (HHS): The largest employer in the region and the cornerstone of the local healthcare scene. Their pharmacy department is robust, offering inpatient, outpatient, and specialty pharmacy services. They are known for investing in clinical pharmacists for areas like oncology, anticoagulation, and critical care. Hiring trends favor those with a PGY-1 residency or equivalent hospital experience. Insider Tip: Networking with the pharmacy manager here is crucial; many jobs are filled through internal referrals before being posted publicly.

2. Hattiesburg Clinic: A large, multi-specialty private clinic with its own pharmacy and infusion center. This is a prime spot for pharmacists interested in ambulatory care, specialty medications (especially for rheumatology and oncology), and direct patient interaction in a clinic setting. They often have lower turnover than retail, leading to more stable, predictable scheduling.

3. Walgreens & CVS Health: The two major retail chains have a significant presence across Hattiesburg, from the Convention Center area to the suburbs of Oak Grove and Petal. While these roles are often high-volume and fast-paced, they offer benefits like tuition reimbursement and clear corporate advancement paths. Staffing shortages can sometimes lead to higher starting salaries or hiring bonuses, especially in more remote locations within the metro area.

4. University of Southern Mississippi (USM): The College of Pharmacy at USM is a major driver of the local profession. While the teaching roles are highly competitive and typically require a Pharm.D. and often a Ph.D., the university also employs pharmacists for its student health services and in research roles affiliated with the medical school. Furthermore, USM's football and basketball seasons create a surge in demand for pharmacists at nearby retail pharmacies, especially on weekends.

5. Independent Pharmacies: Hattiesburg has a few well-established independent pharmacies, such as Hattiesburg Pharmacy and West Main Pharmacy. These offer a more personalized work environment, less corporate policy, and often more focus on compounding and MTM services. Hiring is less formal and often based on community reputation. They are excellent for pharmacists who want to be a central part of the local healthcare fabric.

6. Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center (Gulfport): While not in Hattiesburg proper, the VA Medical Center in Gulfport (about a 1-hour drive) is a major employer for pharmacists in the region. It offers federal benefits, a strong focus on clinical pharmacy, and a patient population with complex needs. Many Hattiesburg pharmacists make this commute for the job stability and professional satisfaction.

Hiring Trends: There is a growing demand for pharmacists with MTM certification (CMTM) and those skilled in MTM billing. Pharmacists who can document and bill for clinical services directly to employers or PBMs are more valuable. The trend is moving away from pure dispensing and toward value-based care, so highlighting these skills on your resume is key.

Getting Licensed in MS

To practice pharmacy in Mississippi, you must be licensed by the Mississippi State Board of Pharmacy. The process is straightforward but requires careful planning.

Steps and Requirements:

1. Education: Graduate from a ACPE-accredited school of pharmacy (Pharm.D. degree).
2. Examination:
   • Pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX).
   • Pass the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) specific to Mississippi state laws.
3. Practical Experience: Complete a 1,500-hour internship (often done during your Pharm.D. program). If you're an out-of-state applicant, you may need to complete additional hours under a Mississippi-licensed pharmacist.
4. Application: Submit an application to the Mississippi State Board of Pharmacy, including official transcripts, internship verification, and examination scores.
5. Background Check: Undergo a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

Costs and Timeline:

• Licensing Fees: The application fee is $150, and the license fee is $250 annually. The total initial cost is approximately $400-$500 (including fees for NAPLEX and MPJE, which are around $1000 total, but those are national test fees).
• Timeline: For a new graduate, the timeline from application to receiving an active license can be 2-4 months after passing all exams. For an out-of-state pharmacist, plan for 4-6 months to gather all documents, potentially complete additional hours, and process the application. The Board's website is the definitive source for all forms and current fees.

Insider Tip: Mississippi is part of the NABP e-Profile system. Start your e-Profile early and have your school of pharmacy submit all your information through the system. This speeds up the verification process significantly. Also, consider joining the Mississippi Pharmacy Association; they offer resources and networking that can be invaluable during the licensure process.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Hattiesburg's neighborhoods offer distinct lifestyles, with commute times to major employers typically under 15 minutes. Here’s a guide:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Lifestyle	Approx. 1BR Rent	Commute to Hospitals/Clinics
Downtown / Historic District	Urban, walkable, vibrant nightlife, home to USM students and young professionals. Full of restaurants, cafes, and arts.	$950 - $1,200	5-10 minutes to Forrest General. Ideal for those who want to be in the heart of the action.
Oak Grove	Family-oriented, suburban, excellent public schools (Oak Grove High). Quiet, with nice parks and larger homes.	$900 - $1,100	10-15 minutes to major employers. A top choice for pharmacists with families.
Petal	A separate city just south of Hattiesburg, with a small-town feel but modern amenities. Strong community, good schools.	$850 - $1,000	15-20 minutes to Hattiesburg proper. Great for those who want a quieter home base.
Timberton / The Avenues	Upscale, established neighborhood with large, older homes and mature trees. Very quiet and residential.	$1,000 - $1,300+	10 minutes to anywhere. Popular with established professionals and hospital administrators.
West Hattiesburg (near USM)	Energetic, college-town feel. Can be noisier due to USM events, but more affordable and lively.	$800 - $950	10-15 minutes to most jobs. Good for new grads who want to be near peers.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Hattiesburg is generally minimal, but it can get congested on Hardy Street (US-49) and near the USM campus during game days or peak class times. When choosing a neighborhood, consider your primary work location to avoid crossing the entire city during rush hour (which is brief but real).

The Long Game: Career Growth

Given the -3% national job growth, a "long game" strategy in Hattiesburg is essential. You need to focus on specialization and value-added services to stay competitive and advance.

• Specialty Premiums: Pharmacists with certifications in a specialized area can command a premium. For example:

  • Oncology Pharmacist: Critical at Forrest General's cancer center. Requires BCOP (Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist) certification.
  • Infectious Disease Pharmacist: High demand in hospital settings, especially post-COVID. BCIDP certification is a plus.
  • Ambulatory Care Pharmacist: Working in a clinic like Hattiesburg Clinic, managing chronic diseases. Requires BCGP (Board Certified Geriatric Pharmacist) or BCACP (Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist).
  • MTM Specialist: Being a certified MTM provider allows you to bill for services directly to PBMs, creating a revenue stream independent of dispensing.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Clinical Ladder: Move from a general staff pharmacist to a clinical specialist (e.g., anticoagulation, diabetes). This often comes with a $5,000 - $15,000 pay increase.
  2. Management: Become a Pharmacy Manager or Director. This path requires strong leadership and administrative skills. Pay can reach $150,000+.
  3. Entrepreneurship: With the lower cost of living, opening an independent pharmacy or a compounding pharmacy is more financially feasible in Hattiesburg than in many other cities. This is high-risk but high-reward.
  4. Academia: A Pharm.D. with experience can lead to adjunct faculty roles at USM's College of Pharmacy, though full-time positions are rare and require advanced degrees.

10-Year Outlook: The outlook for a pharmacist in Hattiesburg is cautiously optimistic. The national trend of automation will continue to reduce the number of pure dispensing roles. However, pharmacists who adapt to a clinical, patient-facing role will remain in high demand. Hattiesburg's growing senior population (a key driver of pharmacy demand) and the presence of a medical school will sustain the need for specialized clinical services. To thrive, plan to pursue a specialty certification within the first 5 years of your career and actively seek roles that allow you to bill for MTM or other cognitive services.

The Verdict: Is Hattiesburg Right for You?

The decision to move to Hattiesburg as a pharmacist requires weighing its unique advantages against its limitations.

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your $131,663 salary goes much further, enabling home ownership and a comfortable lifestyle.	Below-Average Salary: You will earn less than the national average ($131,663 vs. $136,030).
Tight-Knit Professional Community: Easier to network and build a reputation compared to larger, more anonymous cities.	Limited Job Growth: The -3% 10-year outlook means you must be strategic about your specialization.
Stable Major Employers: Forrest General and Hattiesburg Clinic provide a stable employment base.	Car-Dependent City: You will need a reliable vehicle; public transportation is limited.
Vibrant College Town Atmosphere: USM brings cultural events, sports, and energy to the city.	Limited High-End Specialty Options: While there are specialty roles, they are fewer than in larger metros like Jackson or the Gulf Coast.
Outdoor Recreation: Abundant parks, trails, and proximity to forests and rivers for a healthy work-life balance.	Potential for Professional Stagnation: If you don't actively pursue certifications, your career may plateau.

Final Recommendation:
Hattiesburg is an excellent choice for pharmacists who prioritize work-life balance, low financial stress, and a strong sense of community. It's ideal for:

• Pharmacists in the early-to-mid stages of their careers looking to purchase a home and