Hattiesburg vs Pearl: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Hattiesburg, MS and Pearl, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hattiesburg, MS | Pearl, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,320 | $87,205▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.62 | $41.92▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,513▲ | $62,943 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,051 | $72,085▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $80,731 | $97,701▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,645 | $116,587▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,190▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Pearl, MS offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hattiesburg.
The salary gap between Hattiesburg and Pearl is $6,885 (8.57%). Pearl's median is -15.11% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hattiesburg spans $36,132,Pearl spans $53,644. Pearl has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Pearl ($101,756 effective) pays 11.02% 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 Hattiesburg if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,190 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Pearl if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,205/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($116,587)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,756)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Hattiesburg grew 43.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 47.8% growth in Pearl over the same period.
Hattiesburg, MS
$53,270 (2019) → $76,270 (2025)
Pearl, MS
$56,026 (2024) → $82,808 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hattiesburg, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Hattiesburg or Pearl?
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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