Hernando vs Jackson: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Hernando, MS and Jackson, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hernando, MS | Jackson, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,879 | $87,018▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.85 | $41.84▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,953 | $66,609▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $70,833 | $70,863▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $94,331▲ | $93,220 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,099 | $112,134▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 8,700▲ |
Verdict
Jackson, MS offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hernando.
The salary gap between Hernando and Jackson is $4,139 (4.99%). Jackson's median is -15.29% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hernando spans $53,146,Jackson spans $45,525. Hernando 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 ($97,720 effective) pays 1.05% more than Hernando ($96,708 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hernando if…
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Jackson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,018/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($112,134)
- ✓Larger job market (8,700 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,720)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Hernando grew 47.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.9% growth in Jackson over the same period.
Hernando, MS
$53,247 (2024) → $78,700 (2025)
Jackson, MS
$63,610 (2019) → $82,630 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hernando, MS
Jackson, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Hernando or Jackson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hernando and Jackson?
Should I relocate from Hernando to Jackson as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Hernando vs Jackson?
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