Jackson vs Southaven: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Jackson, MS and Southaven, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jackson, MS | Southaven, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,018▲ | $86,605 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.84▲ | $41.64 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,609▲ | $64,103 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,863 | $72,843▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $93,220 | $97,554▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,134 | $117,758▲ |
| Total Employed | 8,700▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Jackson, MS offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Southaven.
The salary gap between Jackson and Southaven is $413 (0.48%). 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 Jackson spans $45,525,Southaven spans $53,655. Southaven 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, Southaven ($101,056 effective) pays 3.41% more than Jackson ($97,720 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jackson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,018/year)
- ✓Larger job market (8,700 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Southaven if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($117,758)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,056)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Jackson grew 29.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 47.8% growth in Southaven over the same period.
Jackson, MS
$63,610 (2019) → $82,630 (2025)
Southaven, MS
$55,640 (2024) → $82,238 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jackson, MS
Southaven, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
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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