Salaries in Southaven, MS
What every job actually pays โ cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 ยท 27 occupations ยท BLS + Census data
People think of Mississippi and picture low wages, but Southavenโs median household income sits at $76,159โhigher than the national average. Thatโs the first surprise. The second? That money goes a lot further here.
With a cost of living index of 92.4, youโre effectively getting a 7.6% discount on life compared to the U.S. average. A one-bedroom apartment runs you about $785 a month. When you adjust for that, the average salary here isnโt $55,707; it feels more like $60,289. Thatโs real purchasing power, especially if youโre coming from a pricier market.
So whoโs earning it? This is a logistics and healthcare town. Youโve got the big FedEx hub and a growing medical corridor. The top-paying jobs reflect that: software developers lead the pack at $124,358, but registered nurses and accountants do very well, too. Teachers and electricians also see respectable, COL-adjusted wages that stretch. Itโs a place where skilled trades and tech can thrive without the coastal price tag.
Hereโs the catch, though. While salaries look solid, wage growth hasnโt exactly raced ahead of inflation lately. The cityโs unemployment is a low 3.8%, which is great, but it also means employers donโt feel huge pressure to bump pay. This city works best for people with established skills or those in healthcare and tech. If youโre just starting out, the entry-level wages might feel tight.
Below, weโll break down the numbers for each of these top-paying roles, showing you exactly what you can expect to earn and how far itโll take you in Southaven.
๐ Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Southaven
Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.
Software Developer
Accountant
Registered Nurse
Elementary School Teacher
Electrician
๐ Complete Salary Guide โ All 27 Occupations in Southaven
COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (92/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is below the US average.
| # | Occupation โ | Raw Salary โ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Software Developer | $124,358 |
| 2 | Accountant | $84,117 |
| 3 | Registered Nurse | $84,107 |
| 4 | Elementary School Teacher | $62,218 |
| 5 | Electrician | $60,146 |
| 6 | Real Estate Agent | $60,078 |
| 7 | Heavy Truck Driver | $51,879 |
| 8 | Medical Assistant | $48,860 |
| 9 | Paralegal | $48,860 |
| 10 | Welder | $48,860 |
| 11 | Dental Hygienist | $48,860 |
| 12 | Project Manager | $48,860 |
| 13 | Police Officer | $48,860 |
| 14 | Graphic Designer | $48,860 |
| 15 | Data Analyst | $48,860 |
| 16 | Plumber | $48,860 |
| 17 | Firefighter | $48,860 |
| 18 | Carpenter | $48,860 |
| 19 | Human Resources Specialist | $48,860 |
| 20 | Physical Therapist | $48,860 |
| 21 | Financial Analyst | $48,860 |
| 22 | Pharmacist | $48,860 |
| 23 | HVAC Technician | $48,860 |
| 24 | Web Developer | $48,860 |
| 25 | Construction Manager | $48,860 |
| 26 | Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $48,860 |
| 27 | Marketing Manager | $48,860 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
๐๏ธ Living Costs in Southaven
๐งฎ Can You Afford to Live in Southaven?
Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Southaven. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.
โ Southaven Salary FAQ
What is the average salary in Southaven, MS?
โผ
What jobs pay the most in Southaven?
โผ
Is Southaven affordable on a Software Developer salary?
โผ
How does Southaven's cost of living affect my paycheck?
โผ
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Southaven?
โผ
๐ Editor's Verdict: Is Southaven Worth It?
As an editor who looks at the numbers and the reality, hereโs my honest verdict: Southaven is quietly one of the better financial bets in the country. With a cost-of-living index at just 92.4 and rent averaging $785, your paycheck stretches further than you think. The average salary of $55,707 goes a surprisingly long way here.
But the real story is tech. Software developers are crushing it, pulling in an average of $124,358, which adjusts to a powerhouse $134,587 in local terms. While healthcare and trades have a stable footing, tech workers are in a league of their own financially.
My one piece of advice? Before you pack your bags, make sure you have a job lined up. The low cost of living is a massive advantage, but it only works if youโre bringing in a solid tech salary to maximize it.