Hattiesburg vs Laurel: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Hattiesburg, MS and Laurel, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hattiesburg, MS | Laurel, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $117,209▲ | $108,478 |
| Hourly Rate | $56.35▲ | $52.15 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $103,326▲ | $90,457 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,612▲ | $100,445 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,716▲ | $124,848 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $140,051▲ | $133,609 |
| Total Employed | 340▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Hattiesburg, MS offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Laurel.
The salary gap between Hattiesburg and Laurel is $8,731 (8.05%). Hattiesburg's median is -14.36% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hattiesburg spans $36,725,Laurel spans $43,152. Laurel has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Hattiesburg ($133,750 effective) pays 5.67% more than Laurel ($126,579 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hattiesburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($117,209/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,051)
- ✓Larger job market (340 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $133,750)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Laurel if…
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Hattiesburg grew -15.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.8% growth in Laurel over the same period.
Hattiesburg, MS
$133,600 (2019) → $113,300 (2025)
Laurel, MS
$99,074 (2024) → $104,860 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hattiesburg, MS
Laurel, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Hattiesburg or Laurel?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov