Hattiesburg vs Laurel: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst 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 | $48,766▲ | $40,781 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.45▲ | $19.61 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $26,787▲ | $25,038 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,817 | $30,216▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $55,059▲ | $52,199 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $66,861▲ | $63,180 |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Hattiesburg, MS offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Laurel.
The salary gap between Hattiesburg and Laurel is $7,985 (19.58%). Hattiesburg's median is -39.34% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hattiesburg spans $40,074,Laurel spans $38,142. Hattiesburg 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, Hattiesburg ($55,648 effective) pays 16.94% more than Laurel ($47,586 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 ($48,766/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($66,861)
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,648)
- ✓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, data analyst salaries in Hattiesburg grew -23.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -34.3% growth in Laurel over the same period.
Hattiesburg, MS
$61,327 (2024) → $46,675 (2025)
Laurel, MS
$59,445 (2024) → $39,032 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hattiesburg, MS
Laurel, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% 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 Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov