Hattiesburg vs Laurel: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian 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 | $110,447▲ | $108,850 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.10▲ | $52.34 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,465 | $67,861▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $86,549 | $88,219▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $138,790▲ | $135,031 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,082 | $168,718▲ |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Hattiesburg, MS offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Laurel.
The salary gap between Hattiesburg and Laurel is $1,597 (1.47%). Hattiesburg's median is -19.58% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hattiesburg spans $99,617,Laurel spans $100,857. Laurel has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinarians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Laurel ($127,013 effective) pays 0.78% more than Hattiesburg ($126,034 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 ($110,447/year)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Laurel if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($168,718)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $127,013)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Hattiesburg grew 27.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 44.6% growth in Laurel over the same period.
Hattiesburg, MS
$81,970 (2019) → $104,630 (2025)
Laurel, MS
$71,333 (2024) → $103,117 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hattiesburg, MS
Laurel, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Hattiesburg or Laurel?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hattiesburg and Laurel?
Should I relocate from Hattiesburg to Laurel as a veterinarian?
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Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% 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 Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov