Veterinarian Salary

Hernando vs Jackson: Veterinarian Salary (2026)

Compare veterinarian salaries between Hernando, MS and Jackson, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Hernando, MS
$110,797
$53.27/hr
Jackson, MS
$110,194
$52.98/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHernando, MSJackson, MS
Median Salary$110,797$110,194
Hourly Rate$53.27$52.98
Entry Level (P10)$64,262$77,745
25th Percentile$89,708$84,374
75th Percentile$139,550$130,198
Top Earner (P90)$171,736$171,894
Total Employed690
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Hernando ($110,797) and Jackson ($110,194) veterinarian salaries.HernandoJacksonMedian Salary$110,797$110,194Entry Level (P10)$64,262$77,745Top Earner (P90)$171,736$171,894US Median $137,334

Verdict

Hernando and Jackson are closely matched on overall veterinarian compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Hernando and Jackson is $603 (0.55%). Hernando's median is -19.32% compared to the US national median of $137,334.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hernando spans $107,474,Jackson spans $94,149. Hernando has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Hernando
P10 (Entry)$64,262
P25$89,708
Median$110,797
P75$139,550
P90 (Top)$171,736
Jackson
P10 (Entry)$77,745
P25$84,374
Median$110,194
P75$130,198
P90 (Top)$171,894

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Hernando ($129,285 effective) pays 4.48% more than Jackson ($123,747 effective).

Hernando
Nominal: $110,797
CoL Index: 85.7
Adjusted: $129,285
Jackson
Nominal: $110,194
CoL Index: 89.048
Adjusted: $123,747

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Hernando if…

  • Higher median salary ($110,797/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $129,285)
  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Choose Jackson if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($171,894)
  • Larger job market (90 employed)
  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Hernando grew 44.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.0% growth in Jackson over the same period.

Hernando, MS

+44.6%

$72,610 (2024) → $104,961 (2025)

Jackson, MS

+34.0%

$77,930 (2019) → $104,390 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinarians more: Hernando or Jackson?

Hernando has a higher median veterinarian salary at $110,797/year, compared to Jackson at $110,194/year — a difference of $603 (0.55%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Hernando and Jackson?

Hernando veterinarians earn $53.27/hr while Jackson hygienists earn $52.98/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Hernando to Jackson as a veterinarian?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Hernando and Jackson. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Hernando = $129,285, Jackson = $123,747), job availability (6 vs 90 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Hernando vs Jackson?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinarians earn $64,262 in Hernando and $77,745 in Jackson. The Jackson area offers higher starting salaries.
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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.

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Samuel Patel, DVMData verified by Dr. Maria Gomez, DVM

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