Hattiesburg vs Starkville: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Hattiesburg, MS and Starkville, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hattiesburg, MS | Starkville, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $117,209▲ | $114,061 |
| Hourly Rate | $56.35▲ | $54.84 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $103,326▲ | $86,150 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,612▲ | $106,559 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,716▲ | $131,496 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $140,051 | $142,066▲ |
| Total Employed | 340▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Hattiesburg, MS offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Starkville.
The salary gap between Hattiesburg and Starkville is $3,148 (2.76%). 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,Starkville spans $55,916. Starkville 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 0.49% more than Starkville ($133,093 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)
- ✓Larger job market (340 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $133,750)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Starkville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($142,066)
- ✓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 Starkville over the same period.
Hattiesburg, MS
$133,600 (2019) → $113,300 (2025)
Starkville, MS
$104,173 (2024) → $110,257 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hattiesburg, MS
Starkville, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Hattiesburg or Starkville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hattiesburg and Starkville?
Should I relocate from Hattiesburg to Starkville as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Hattiesburg vs Starkville?
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