Here is a comprehensive career guide for Project Managers considering a move to Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Project Manager Career Guide: Hattiesburg, Mississippi

As a career analyst who’s watched Hattiesburg’s job market evolve from the piney woods to the medical corridor, I can tell you this isn’t a generic guide. This is a look at what it’s really like to build a project management career in the Hub City. We’re going beyond the salary numbers to discuss commute times from Lamar Park to the Hattiesburg Clinic, the real cost of living compared to the national average, and which employers are actually hiring project managers right now. Let’s get to work.

The Salary Picture: Where Hattiesburg Stands

Let’s start with the hard numbers, because salary is the foundation of any career decision. The project management field in Hattiesburg offers a solid middle-class living, but it’s important to understand where it sits relative to the national landscape and other Mississippi cities.

The median salary for a Project Manager in Hattiesburg is $98,028/year. On an hourly basis, that translates to $47.13/hour. This is respectable for the region, especially when you factor in Hattiesburg’s cost of living. To put this in perspective, the national average salary for a Project Manager is $101,280/year. Hattiesburg’s median is slightly below the national figure, but the difference is more than offset by the city’s affordability.

The job market itself is small but stable. There are approximately 97 project management jobs in the metro area at any given time. The 10-year job growth is projected at 6%. This isn’t explosive growth like in a major tech hub, but it’s steady and reliable. Hattiesburg’s economy is diversified between healthcare, education, manufacturing, and military support, creating a consistent demand for project management professionals across these sectors.

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown

Salaries in project management are highly dependent on experience, certification, and industry. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Hattiesburg market:

Experience Level	Typical Title	Salary Range (Annual)	Key Qualifications
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	Project Coordinator, Junior PM	$55,000 - $75,000	CAPM or PMP in progress, basic scheduling skills
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	Project Manager, PM II	$85,000 - $110,000	PMP certification, industry-specific experience
Senior-Level (8-12 years)	Senior PM, Program Manager	$110,000 - $135,000	PMP, leadership experience, budget management
Expert (12+ years)	Director of PMO, VP of Operations	$135,000+	Executive presence, strategic planning, multi-million dollar budgets

Insider Tip: The jump from Mid-Level to Senior-Level is where the PMP certification becomes non-negotiable in Hattiesburg. Employers like Forrest Health and the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) use the PMP as a hard filter for senior roles.

Comparison to Other Mississippi Cities

How does Hattiesburg stack up against its in-state peers? It’s a mixed bag. While it doesn’t command the top salaries, its cost of living makes it a strong contender for disposable income.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Disposable Income Potential
Hattiesburg	$98,028	89.3	High
Jackson	$102,500	92.1	Medium
Gulfport-Biloxi	$99,800	93.5	Medium
Tupelo	$94,200	88.5	High
Starkville	$91,750	87.8	High

Hattiesburg’s median salary of $98,028 is competitive, especially when paired with its 89.3 Cost of Living Index. You’ll take home more actual purchasing power here than in Jackson or the Gulf Coast, even with a slightly lower nominal salary.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number. Let’s break down what your monthly budget looks like on Hattiesburg’s median project manager salary.

Assumptions for this breakdown:

• Annual Salary: $98,028
• Filing Status: Single, Standard Deduction
• Taxes: Federal, Mississippi State (5%), FICA
• Retirement: 6% contribution to a 401(k)
• Healthcare: Moderate premium share
• Rent: Average 1BR rent of $906/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Project Manager, Median Salary)

Category	Monthly Amount	Notes
Gross Pay	$8,169	$98,028 / 12
Deductions (Pre-Tax)
401(k) Contribution	-$490	6% of gross
Health Insurance	-$350	Estimate for single coverage
Taxable Income	$7,329
Taxes
Federal Tax	-$920	Estimate based on IRS tables
Mississippi State Tax	-$366	5% of taxable income
FICA (7.65%)	-$561
Net Take-Home Pay	$5,482
Fixed Expenses
Rent (1BR)	-$906	Average for Hattiesburg metro
Utilities (Elec, Water, Internet)	-$180	Varies by season
Car Payment & Insurance	-$400	Estimate for a reliable used car
Discretionary & Savings	$3,996	Food, gas, entertainment, savings

Analysis: After covering all necessities and a 6% retirement contribution, you’re left with nearly $4,000 in discretionary funds. This is a very comfortable buffer for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending. The key here is the rent. At $906/month, housing is your biggest expense but remains manageable. A significant portion of your take-home pay is available for other goals.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Yes, absolutely. With a median salary of $98,028, a project manager in Hattiesburg has strong buying power. The median home price in Hattiesburg is approximately $185,000.

Using a standard 20% down payment ($37,000), a 6% interest rate, and a 30-year mortgage, the monthly principal and interest payment would be around $900. Add in property taxes and insurance, and you’re looking at a total monthly housing cost of roughly $1,200. This is well within the recommended 28% of gross monthly income ($2,287). Saving for the down payment would take discipline, but it’s a realistic goal within 3-5 years on this salary, especially with Hattiesburg’s relatively low living costs.

Where the Jobs Are: Hattiesburg's Major Employers

Hattiesburg’s project management jobs are concentrated in a few key sectors. You won’t find Silicon Valley-style tech startups, but you will find stable, well-paying employers who need organized professionals to keep operations running smoothly.

Here are the major players and their hiring trends:

1. Forrest Health: The largest employer in the region, this hospital system is a constant source of project management roles. They hire PMs for IT system implementations (like new EHR software), facility expansions, and process improvement initiatives in clinical settings. Hiring Trend: Steady. They are perpetually expanding services and upgrading technology.

2. The University of Southern Mississippi (USM): USM is a major economic engine. They need PMs for grant-funded research projects, capital construction projects (new buildings, renovations), and IT department initiatives. Hiring Trend: Cyclical. Hiring often aligns with the academic calendar and the start of major construction phases.

3. Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center (Hattiesburg): Part of the larger HCA Healthcare network, this hospital competes directly with Forrest Health. They have similar project needs: clinical operations, facility management, and IT upgrades. Hiring Trend: Active. As a for-profit system, they’re often looking for PMs who can demonstrate ROI on projects.

4. Mississippi Power (Southern Company): A significant regional player, Mississippi Power requires project managers for infrastructure projects, grid modernization, and community energy efficiency programs. These roles often involve coordinating with local governments and contractors. Hiring Trend: Stable, with growth tied to infrastructure investment.

5. BancorpSouth (Now Cadence Bank): Headquartered in Tupelo but with a massive operational presence in Hattiesburg, Cadence Bank needs PMs for regulatory compliance projects, software integration, and branch network updates. Hiring Trend: Steady. Banking is a stable sector for project management.

6. The City of Hattiesburg: Municipal government hires project managers for public works projects, parks and recreation developments, and technology upgrades for city services. Hiring Trend: Variable, dependent on bond issues and city budgets.

7. Hub City Industries / Local Manufacturing: While smaller than the giants, Hattiesburg has a network of manufacturing and industrial companies that need PMs for production line improvements, supply chain logistics, and quality control implementations. Hiring Trend: Niche but consistent.

Insider Tip: The best project manager jobs in Hattiesburg are often not posted publicly. They are filled through networking at events hosted by the Hattiesburg Area Chamber of Commerce or through connections at USM’s College of Business. Joining the local PMI chapter (if active) is a smart move.

Getting Licensed in MS

Mississippi does not have a state-specific project management license. However, the Project Management Institute (PMI) certifications are the industry standard and are heavily favored by employers. Here’s what you need to know.

State-Specific Requirements:
There are none. You do not need to register with the state to work as a project manager. Employers look for PMI credentials.

Costs and Timeline:

• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM): For entry-level. Exam fee: ~$225 for non-members, ~$112.50 for PMI members. Requires 23 hours of project management education. Timeline: 1-3 months to study.
• Project Management Professional (PMP): The gold standard. Exam fee: ~$405 for non-members, ~$200 for members. Requires 35 hours of education and either a 4-year degree with 36 months of leadership experience or a high school diploma with 60 months of leadership experience. Timeline: 3-6 months to prepare and schedule.

How to Get Started in Hattiesburg:

1. Education: USM’s College of Business offers project management courses that fulfill the PMP education requirement. They also sometimes host CAPM/PMP prep workshops.
2. Exam Prep: Online platforms like Coursera or Udemy offer PMP prep courses. Local study groups can form through USM or professional meetups.
3. Application: Apply directly through the PMI website. The process is online and straightforward.

Insider Tip: When applying for jobs in Hattiesburg, if you are PMP-certified, list it prominently. If you’re a CAPM, state you are “PMP-eligible” or “PMP candidate.” This signals your commitment to the field.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Where you live in Hattiesburg will significantly impact your daily life. Traffic is generally manageable, but commute times can vary based on your employer’s location. Here’s a breakdown of neighborhoods suited for project managers.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Lifestyle	Commute to Major Employers	Avg. 1BR Rent
West Hattiesburg / Lamar Park	Upscale, family-friendly, great schools. Close to shopping and restaurants.	10-15 mins to USM, 15-20 mins to Forrest Health.	$1,000 - $1,300
Midtown / Historic District	Walkable, charming, near downtown and the arts scene. Older homes with character.	5-10 mins to USM, 10 mins to downtown offices.	$850 - $1,100
North Hattiesburg / Oak Grove	Suburban, quiet, excellent school district (Oak Grove High). More space.	15-20 mins to most employers; can be longer during school rush hours.	$900 - $1,200
East Hattiesburg / Petal	Technically a separate city but part of the metro. Strong community feel, good value.	15-25 mins to Hattiesburg core employers.	$800 - $1,050
South Hattiesburg / 4th Street Corridor	More affordable, diverse, undergoing revitalization. Closer to industrial areas.	10-15 mins to most employers; direct access to I-59.	$750 - $950

Insider Tip: For a project manager working at a hospital or USM, Midtown offers the shortest commute and a vibrant lifestyle. For those with a family or who work for a manufacturing or industrial company on the city's outskirts, North Hattiesburg or Oak Grove provides more space and top-rated schools.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A project manager’s career in Hattiesburg is about specialization and strategic advancement. The 10-year job growth of 6% means competition for senior roles will be steady.

Specialty Premiums:

• IT/Software Implementation PM: +10-15% premium. High demand in healthcare (Forrest Health) and banking (Cadence).
• Construction/Civil PM: +8-12% premium. Driven by USM and city infrastructure projects.
• Healthcare Operations PM: +5-10% premium. A stable, in-demand niche due to the region’s healthcare dominance.

Advancement Paths:

1. Vertical: Project Coordinator → Project Manager → Senior PM → Program Manager → Director of Project Management Office (PMO). The Director of PMO role is rare in Hattiesburg and usually found at the largest employers (Forrest Health, USM).
2. Lateral: Move from a PM role in healthcare to a similar role in manufacturing or banking to broaden your industry experience. This can make you more valuable and open doors to consulting.
3. Consulting/Entrepreneurship: After 10+ years, experienced PMs in Hattiesburg often leverage their network to start small consulting firms, helping local businesses with project management needs. The low overhead makes this feasible.

10-Year Outlook:
The outlook is stable. Hattiesburg’s economy is not boom-or-bust. The key will be adapting to the digital transformation of traditional industries. PMs who can bridge the gap between legacy systems and new technology will see the most growth. The 6% growth rate suggests that while new positions will appear, they will be filled by qualified, certified, and networked professionals.

The Verdict: Is Hattiesburg Right for You?

Hattiesburg is a fantastic choice for project managers who value quality of life, affordability, and community over the high salaries and frenetic pace of major metros. It’s a place to build a stable, fulfilling career and a comfortable life.

Pros	Cons
Incredible Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further, especially in housing.	Smaller Job Market: Fewer total openings than a major city; networking is key.
Stable, Diverse Employers: Healthcare, education, and military provide recession-resistant jobs.	Salaries are Slightly Below National Average: You trade top-tier pay for affordability.
Manageable Commutes: You can live in a nice neighborhood and be at work in 15 minutes.	Limited Industry Variety: Less opportunity in tech, finance, or creative industries.
Strong Work-Life Balance: Southern culture prioritizes family and community time.	Cultural Scene is Smaller: Fewer concerts, museums, and nightlife options than a big city.
Tight-Knit Professional Network: It’s easier to become a known, respected professional.	Limited Public Transit: A car is a necessity.

Final Recommendation:
Hattiesburg is an excellent choice for mid-career project managers (3-10 years experience) who are ready to buy a home and settle down. It’s also great for early-career professionals who want to get experience without the high competition and cost of living of a major metro. If you’re an expert-level PM chasing a $200k+ salary, you may find the ceiling here limiting. But for most, the combination of a solid median salary of $98,028, a low cost of living, and a high quality of life makes Hattiesburg a hidden gem in the project management landscape.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a car in Hattiesburg?
A: Yes, absolutely. Public transportation is limited. Most project managers live in one neighborhood and commute to another by car. The city is designed for drivers, and commutes are short and generally easy.

Q: How is the work culture at the major employers?
A: It tends to be professional but