Hattiesburg vs Meridian: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Hattiesburg, MS and Meridian, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hattiesburg, MS | Meridian, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,429 | $63,811▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.84 | $30.68▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,741 | $41,427▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,689 | $50,278▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $51,757 | $80,109▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $56,126 | $92,186▲ |
| Total Employed | 440▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Meridian, MS offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hattiesburg.
The salary gap between Hattiesburg and Meridian is $18,382 (40.46%). Meridian's median is -18.76% 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,Meridian spans $50,759. Meridian 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, Meridian ($74,459 effective) pays 43.63% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (440 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Meridian if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,811/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,186)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,459)
- ✓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 81.5% growth in Meridian over the same period.
Hattiesburg, MS
$35,990 (2019) → $44,080 (2025)
Meridian, MS
$34,122 (2024) → $61,916 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hattiesburg, MS
Meridian, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Hattiesburg or Meridian?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hattiesburg and Meridian?
Should I relocate from Hattiesburg to Meridian as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Hattiesburg vs Meridian?
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