Hattiesburg vs Starkville: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Hattiesburg, MS and Starkville, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hattiesburg, MS | Starkville, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,229 | $90,454▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.02 | $43.49▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,640 | $52,463▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,952 | $65,917▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $175,600▲ | $115,781 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $590,256▲ | $140,203 |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Hattiesburg and Starkville are closely matched on overall financial advisor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Hattiesburg and Starkville is $7,225 (8.68%). Starkville's median is -16.66% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hattiesburg spans $548,616,Starkville spans $87,740. 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, Starkville ($105,547 effective) pays 11.13% 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 Hattiesburg if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($590,256)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Starkville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($90,454/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,547)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Hattiesburg grew 82.7% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 54.5% growth in Starkville over the same period.
Hattiesburg, MS
$44,100 (2020) → $80,570 (2025)
Starkville, MS
$56,670 (2024) → $87,564 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hattiesburg, MS
Starkville, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the hourly rate difference between Hattiesburg and Starkville?
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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