Hattiesburg vs Jackson: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor 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 | $53,434 | $58,626▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.70 | $28.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,074 | $39,054▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,583 | $46,034▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $67,516▲ | $66,026 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,927 | $76,336▲ |
| Total Employed | 150 | 580▲ |
Verdict
Jackson, MS offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hattiesburg.
The salary gap between Hattiesburg and Jackson is $5,192 (9.72%). Jackson's median is -8.87% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hattiesburg spans $37,853,Jackson spans $37,282. Hattiesburg 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, Jackson ($65,836 effective) pays 7.97% more than Hattiesburg ($60,975 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 ($58,626/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($76,336)
- ✓Larger job market (580 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,836)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Hattiesburg grew 7.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.0% growth in Jackson over the same period.
Hattiesburg, MS
$48,660 (2019) → $52,361 (2025)
Jackson, MS
$48,700 (2019) → $57,448 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hattiesburg, MS
Jackson, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Hattiesburg or Jackson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hattiesburg and Jackson?
Should I relocate from Hattiesburg to Jackson as a school counselor?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed.
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in school counseling. She specializes in academic and emotional support for high school students. She works at a public high school in California.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.05% 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 Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed., a licensed school counselor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov