Jackson vs Meridian: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Jackson, MS and Meridian, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jackson, MS | Meridian, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $129,033▲ | $111,193 |
| Hourly Rate | $62.03▲ | $53.46 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,912▲ | $88,533 |
| 25th Percentile | $113,133▲ | $100,465 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,644▲ | $129,053 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $161,879▲ | $139,909 |
| Total Employed | 1,310▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Jackson, MS offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Meridian.
The salary gap between Jackson and Meridian is $17,840 (16.04%). Jackson's median is -5.72% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jackson spans $58,967,Meridian spans $51,376. Jackson 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 ($144,903 effective) pays 11.68% more than Meridian ($129,747 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 ($129,033/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($161,879)
- ✓Larger job market (1,310 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $144,903)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Meridian if…
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Jackson grew 23.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.8% growth in Meridian over the same period.
Jackson, MS
$100,900 (2019) → $124,730 (2025)
Meridian, MS
$101,555 (2024) → $107,485 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jackson, MS
Meridian, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Jackson or Meridian?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jackson and Meridian?
Should I relocate from Jackson to Meridian as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Jackson vs Meridian?
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