Clinton vs Hattiesburg: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Clinton, MS and Hattiesburg, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Clinton, MS | Hattiesburg, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,888▲ | $45,429 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.75▲ | $21.84 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,613▲ | $35,741 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,596▲ | $38,689 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,494▲ | $51,757 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,885▲ | $56,126 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 440▲ |
Verdict
Clinton, MS offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hattiesburg.
The salary gap between Clinton and Hattiesburg is $16,459 (36.23%). Clinton's median is -21.20% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Clinton spans $45,272,Hattiesburg spans $20,385. Clinton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Clinton ($72,215 effective) pays 39.30% more than Hattiesburg ($51,840 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Clinton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,888/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,885)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,215)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Hattiesburg if…
- ✓Larger job market (440 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Clinton grew 81.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.5% growth in Hattiesburg over the same period.
Clinton, MS
$33,094 (2024) → $60,050 (2025)
Hattiesburg, MS
$35,990 (2019) → $44,080 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Clinton, MS
Hattiesburg, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Clinton or Hattiesburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Clinton and Hattiesburg?
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Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov