Columbus vs Hattiesburg: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Columbus, MS and Hattiesburg, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, MS | Hattiesburg, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,467▲ | $83,229 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.05▲ | $40.02 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,731▲ | $41,640 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,515▲ | $52,952 |
| 75th Percentile | $111,958 | $175,600▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,574 | $590,256▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 50▲ |
Verdict
Columbus and Hattiesburg are closely matched on overall financial advisor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Columbus and Hattiesburg is $4,238 (5.09%). Columbus's median is -19.41% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $84,843,Hattiesburg spans $548,616. Hattiesburg has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced financial advisors.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbus ($102,062 effective) pays 7.46% more than Hattiesburg ($94,974 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,467/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,062)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Hattiesburg if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($590,256)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Columbus grew 54.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 82.7% growth in Hattiesburg over the same period.
Columbus, MS
$54,799 (2024) → $84,673 (2025)
Hattiesburg, MS
$44,100 (2020) → $80,570 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, MS
Hattiesburg, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Columbus or Hattiesburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Hattiesburg?
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Written by Jordan Lee, CFP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in financial planning. They specialize in retirement planning for individuals. They work at a financial services firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.30% 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 Jordan Lee, CFP, a licensed financial advisor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov