Hattiesburg vs Jackson: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Hattiesburg, MS and Jackson, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hattiesburg, MS | Jackson, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,429 | $50,664▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.84 | $24.36▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,741 | $36,019▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,689 | $41,750▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $51,757 | $58,827▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $56,126 | $65,721▲ |
| Total Employed | 440 | 1,620▲ |
Verdict
Jackson, MS offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hattiesburg.
The salary gap between Hattiesburg and Jackson is $5,235 (11.52%). Jackson's median is -35.49% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hattiesburg spans $20,385,Jackson spans $29,702. Jackson has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced police officers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Jackson ($56,895 effective) pays 9.75% 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 Hattiesburg if…
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Jackson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,664/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($65,721)
- ✓Larger job market (1,620 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,895)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Hattiesburg grew 22.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 34.1% growth in Jackson over the same period.
Hattiesburg, MS
$35,990 (2019) → $44,080 (2025)
Jackson, MS
$36,660 (2019) → $49,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hattiesburg, MS
Jackson, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Hattiesburg or Jackson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hattiesburg and Jackson?
Should I relocate from Hattiesburg to Jackson as a police officer?
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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