Jackson vs Meridian: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst 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 | $65,724▲ | $41,801 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.61▲ | $20.10 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,034▲ | $24,374 |
| 25th Percentile | $45,296▲ | $30,155 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,709▲ | $53,506 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,310▲ | $64,792 |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Jackson, MS offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Meridian.
The salary gap between Jackson and Meridian is $23,923 (57.23%). Jackson's median is -18.25% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jackson spans $52,276,Meridian spans $40,418. 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 ($73,807 effective) pays 51.32% more than Meridian ($48,776 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 ($65,724/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,310)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,807)
- ✓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, data analyst salaries in Jackson grew -36.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -34.3% growth in Meridian over the same period.
Jackson, MS
$98,630 (2021) → $62,906 (2025)
Meridian, MS
$60,933 (2024) → $40,009 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jackson, MS
Meridian, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Jackson or Meridian?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jackson and Meridian?
Should I relocate from Jackson to Meridian as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Jackson vs Meridian?
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