Salaries in Hattiesburg, MS
What every job actually pays — cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 · 27 occupations · BLS + Census data
Here’s a secret about Hattiesburg that the data barely hints at: you can live here on a software developer’s salary and feel like you’re winning. The city’s median household income sits at $44,140, but the top-paying jobs—marketing managers, pharmacists, software developers—are pulling down numbers that look like they belong to a much larger city. It’s a peculiar little economic engine.
Let’s talk purchasing power. With a cost of living index of 89.3, your money does about 11% more work here than the national average. That $152,560 marketing manager salary? It has the real purchasing clout of $170,840. A one-bedroom apartment averaging $906 a month makes that kind of salary go incredibly far. It’s not just a bargain; it’s a strategic advantage if you’re in the right field.
So who’s thriving? It’s not just the university. Hattiesburg has quietly become a hub for healthcare and skilled trades. The presence of Forrest General Hospital and a steady stream of construction around the growing city means pharmacists and construction managers are in demand and paid well for it. The education rate—35% with a bachelor’s degree or higher—is decent, but there’s room for skilled labor to really cash in.
Here’s the honest catch, though: that low unemployment rate of 3.8% is a double-edged sword. It means competition for those top-tier jobs is real, and wages for many other roles aren’t exactly racing ahead. If you’re in tech or healthcare, this city is a financial home run. If you’re in a more common occupation, you’ll be comfortable, but you’re not getting the same explosive value.
Below, you’ll see the hard numbers for the top-paying occupations, the city-wide averages, and what those salaries really mean on the ground.
🏆 Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Hattiesburg
Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.
Marketing Manager
Pharmacist
Software Developer
Construction Manager
Project Manager
📋 Complete Salary Guide — All 27 Occupations in Hattiesburg
COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (89/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is below the US average.
| # | Occupation ↕ | Raw Salary ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marketing Manager | $152,560 |
| 2 | Pharmacist | $131,663 |
| 3 | Software Developer | $123,174 |
| 4 | Construction Manager | $104,736 |
| 5 | Project Manager | $98,028 |
| 6 | Physical Therapist | $96,509 |
| 7 | Financial Analyst | $95,831 |
| 8 | Web Developer | $89,772 |
| 9 | Dental Hygienist | $84,720 |
| 10 | Accountant | $83,316 |
| 11 | Registered Nurse | $83,307 |
| 12 | Data Analyst | $80,684 |
| 13 | Police Officer | $72,505 |
| 14 | Human Resources Specialist | $65,478 |
| 15 | Elementary School Teacher | $61,626 |
| 16 | Plumber | $61,316 |
| 17 | Paralegal | $60,735 |
| 18 | Electrician | $59,574 |
| 19 | Real Estate Agent | $59,506 |
| 20 | Graphic Designer | $59,370 |
| 21 | Firefighter | $55,286 |
| 22 | Carpenter | $55,092 |
| 23 | HVAC Technician | $53,882 |
| 24 | Heavy Truck Driver | $51,385 |
| 25 | Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $48,395 |
| 26 | Welder | $47,998 |
| 27 | Medical Assistant | $37,041 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
🏙️ Living Costs in Hattiesburg
🧮 Can You Afford to Live in Hattiesburg?
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❓ Hattiesburg Salary FAQ
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📝 Editor's Verdict: Is Hattiesburg Worth It?
Short version: Hattiesburg can stretch a dollar, but it won’t make you rich. With a $76,795 average salary, an 89.3 cost-of-living index, and $906 rent, your take-home goes further than in bigger cities. The standout is Marketing Manager, at $152,560 and a COL-adjusted $170,840—rare for a market this size. Healthcare and skilled trades do well here; tech roles exist but pay less than national hubs. If you want stability and space over skyline, it’s worth it financially. If you’re chasing top-tier tech comp, you’ll feel capped. My honest verdict: yes, if you value affordability and a slower pace. Advice: lock in a job before you move, then negotiate against the local cost-of-living—your money will go far, but only if you earn enough to start with.