Hattiesburg vs Pearl: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Hattiesburg, MS and Pearl, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hattiesburg, MS | Pearl, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,447 | $116,580▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $53.10 | $56.05▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,465 | $67,616▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $86,549 | $91,204▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $138,790 | $144,981▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,082 | $180,700▲ |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Pearl, MS offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hattiesburg.
The salary gap between Hattiesburg and Pearl is $6,133 (5.55%). Pearl's median is -15.11% 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,Pearl spans $113,084. Pearl 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, Pearl ($136,033 effective) pays 7.93% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Pearl if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($116,580/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($180,700)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $136,033)
- ✓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 Pearl over the same period.
Hattiesburg, MS
$81,970 (2019) → $104,630 (2025)
Pearl, MS
$76,399 (2024) → $110,440 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hattiesburg, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Hattiesburg or Pearl?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hattiesburg and Pearl?
Should I relocate from Hattiesburg to Pearl 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