Jackson vs Meridian: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Jackson, MS and Meridian, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jackson, MS | Meridian, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,194 | $111,575▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.98 | $53.65▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,745▲ | $66,084 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,374 | $88,126▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $130,198 | $139,654▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,894 | $172,941▲ |
| Total Employed | 90▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Meridian, MS offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Jackson.
The salary gap between Jackson and Meridian is $1,381 (1.25%). Meridian's median is -18.76% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jackson spans $94,149,Meridian spans $106,857. Meridian 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, Meridian ($130,193 effective) pays 5.21% more than Jackson ($123,747 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jackson if…
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Meridian if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($111,575/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,941)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $130,193)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Jackson grew 34.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 44.6% growth in Meridian over the same period.
Jackson, MS
$77,930 (2019) → $104,390 (2025)
Meridian, MS
$73,119 (2024) → $105,698 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jackson, MS
Meridian, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Jackson or Meridian?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jackson and Meridian?
Should I relocate from Jackson to Meridian as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Jackson vs Meridian?
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