Business & Finance Hattiesburg, MS Pop. 48,728

Economist Salary in Hattiesburg, Mississippi

The median economist salary in Hattiesburg, MS is $91,152 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 3.6% below the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$91,152
vs State Avg
$-3,418
vs National
$-22,788
Cost of Living
80%

Economist Pay in Hattiesburg: What to Expect (2026)

Hattiesburg offers a median economist salary of $91,152, which is $3,418 below the Mississippi state average of $94,570. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Hattiesburg pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Hattiesburg's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 80% of the national average. This means the $91,152 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $113,940 in an average-cost city. This makes Hattiesburg an attractive option for economists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for economists in Hattiesburg spans from $49,600 at the 10th percentile to $158,400 at the 90th percentile — a $108,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,000, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $148,000. Hattiesburg is a smaller market (pop. 48,728), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Economist Salary in Hattiesburg by Experience

In Hattiesburg, an entry-level economist earns around $52,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $148,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,000
$-13,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$92,000
$-23,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$148,000
$-37,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hattiesburg, MS

Percentile Hattiesburg
10th Percentile $49,600
25th Percentile $65,600
Median (50th) $91,152
75th Percentile $124,000
90th Percentile $158,400

Economist Salary in Other Mississippi Cities

Jackson, MS
$96,849
Pop. 153,701
Southaven, MS
$95,710
Pop. 55,026
Biloxi, MS
$94,570
Pop. 46,212
Gulfport, MS
$93,431
Pop. 72,926

How to Become a Economist in Hattiesburg

Education

Most economist positions require a master's degree. Hattiesburg and the surrounding Mississippi area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

EconometricsStatistical AnalysisR/PythonEconomic ModelingResearch MethodsPolicy Analysis

Job Outlook

Nationally, economist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Hattiesburg may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Economist Jobs in Hattiesburg

Browse open economist positions in Hattiesburg, MS:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Hattiesburg

How much does a Economist make in Hattiesburg, MS? ▼
The median economist salary in Hattiesburg, Mississippi is $91,152 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $49,600 (10th percentile) to $158,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Hattiesburg? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $91,152, a economist in Hattiesburg earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hattiesburg compare to the Mississippi state average for economist pay? ▼
Hattiesburg's median economist salary of $91,152 is 3.6% below the Mississippi state average of $94,570. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Hattiesburg, MS? ▼
Hattiesburg has a cost of living index of 80% compared to the national average. This means a economist salary of $91,152 in Hattiesburg has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Hattiesburg? ▼
Most economist positions in Hattiesburg require a master's degree. Key skills include Econometrics, Statistical Analysis, R/Python, Economic Modeling. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.