Columbus vs Hattiesburg: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Columbus, MS and Hattiesburg, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, MS | Hattiesburg, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,786▲ | $80,320 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.80▲ | $38.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,089 | $65,513▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $72,507▲ | $68,051 |
| 75th Percentile | $91,182▲ | $80,731 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,658▲ | $101,645 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 2,190▲ |
Verdict
Columbus, MS offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hattiesburg.
The salary gap between Columbus and Hattiesburg is $2,466 (3.07%). Columbus's median is -19.41% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $47,569,Hattiesburg spans $36,132. Columbus 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, Columbus ($96,600 effective) pays 5.40% more than Hattiesburg ($91,655 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,786/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,658)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,600)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Hattiesburg if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,190 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Columbus grew 47.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 43.2% growth in Hattiesburg over the same period.
Columbus, MS
$53,187 (2024) → $78,612 (2025)
Hattiesburg, MS
$53,270 (2019) → $76,270 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, MS
Hattiesburg, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Columbus or Hattiesburg?
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov