Entry-Level Nurse Practitioner Salary in Hattiesburg, MS: $103,326 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse practitioners entering the Hattiesburg, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $103,326 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1171, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hattiesburg's local price level (BEA RPP 87.6 — 12% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $117,908 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($117,209) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For those embarking on their nursing careers in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, the starting nurse practitioner salary is a critical consideration. In 2026, new graduates entering this field can expect an entry-level salary of approximately $103,326, which is a modest amount compared to the median annual salary of $117,209 in the city. This gap highlights the trajectory that early-career nurse practitioners have, as they can anticipate reaching the 25th percentile at $108,612 within a few years, eventually moving toward the median as they gain experience. Hattiesburg's current healthcare job market is favorable for new nurse practitioners; with a projected annual growth rate of 3.45%, it suggests that entry-level positions will continue to be available, allowing fresh graduates to establish their careers in a supportive environment.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hattiesburg
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hattiesburg
Entry-level nurse practitioners in Hattiesburg, MS typically start between $103,326 and $108,612 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $36,725 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $117,209 — 14.36% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average advanced practice nursing program cost in Mississippi of $55,000 represents just 53.23% of the starting nurse practitioner pay ($103,326/year) in Hattiesburg. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CCNE- and ACEN-accredited graduate nursing programs. Tuition varies significantly between public in-state MSN programs and private DNP programs, and often requires completed BSN coursework as a prerequisite.
NP Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Hattiesburg
- 1Research the Hattiesburg market: entry-level nurse practitioner pay ranges from $103,326 to $108,612, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the advanced practice nursing field — employers in MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hattiesburg, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Hattiesburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hattiesburg's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Nurse Practitioner Compensation Range
The nurse practitioner wage spread in Hattiesburg is $36,725 ( 35.54%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $103,326, experienced hygienists can earn up to $140,051.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$88,190
2025 BLS Actual
$99,880
2026 Current Est.
$103,326
2019–2027 Growth
+21.2%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Practitioners in Hattiesburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.45% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $88,190 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,130 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,010 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,410 | Actual |
| 2023 | $90,800 | Actual |
| 2024 | $96,990 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,880 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $103,326 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $106,891 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse practitioner compensation (10th percentile) in Hattiesburg, MS grew 13.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $88,190 in 2019 to $99,880 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $106,891. New graduates entering the Hattiesburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hattiesburg metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.45% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your advanced practice nursing Career in Hattiesburg
In Hattiesburg, employers who actively recruit newly graduated nurse practitioners include primary care offices and urgent care centers that often offer structured onboarding programs. Additionally, larger hospital systems may provide residency or fellowship opportunities to help new NPs transition effectively into practice. Focusing on credentials can also significantly influence salary prospects; new graduates should hold an active RN license and possess a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from an accredited program. National certification from organizations such as the ANCC or AANP, as well as obtaining prescriptive authority, are crucial steps that enhance entry-level pay. Given the variability in scope of practice by state, new nurse practitioners in Hattiesburg must stay informed about Mississippi requirements, as well as consider specializing in areas like psychiatric mental health, where demand—and compensation—is particularly high. Over the first few years, realistic salary increases are expected as new practitioners establish themselves and further their education, contributing to their professional growth in the field.
More salary data for Hattiesburg, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new advanced practice nursing graduates. A 3.45% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Hattiesburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.45%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for nurse practitioners (SOC 29-1171).
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