Media & Communications Hattiesburg, MS Pop. 48,728

Journalist Salary in Hattiesburg, Mississippi

The median journalist salary in Hattiesburg, MS is $44,768 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 3.6% below the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$44,768
vs State Avg
$-1,679
vs National
$-11,192
Cost of Living
80%

Journalist Pay in Hattiesburg: What to Expect (2026)

Hattiesburg offers a median journalist salary of $44,768, which is $1,679 below the Mississippi state average of $46,447. Compared to the national median of $55,960, 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 $44,768 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,960 in an average-cost city. This makes Hattiesburg an attractive option for journalists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for journalists in Hattiesburg spans from $25,600 at the 10th percentile to $88,000 at the 90th percentile — a $62,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,000, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,000. Hattiesburg is a smaller market (pop. 48,728), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Journalist Salary in Hattiesburg by Experience

In Hattiesburg, an entry-level journalist earns around $28,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,000
$-7,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,400
$-11,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,000
$-20,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hattiesburg, MS

Percentile Hattiesburg
10th Percentile $25,600
25th Percentile $32,000
Median (50th) $44,768
75th Percentile $62,400
90th Percentile $88,000

Journalist Salary in Other Mississippi Cities

Jackson, MS
$47,566
Pop. 153,701
Southaven, MS
$47,006
Pop. 55,026
Biloxi, MS
$46,447
Pop. 46,212
Gulfport, MS
$45,887
Pop. 72,926

How to Become a Journalist in Hattiesburg

Education

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

Key Skills

WritingInvestigative ResearchInterviewingAP StyleCMS PlatformsSocial Media

Job Outlook

Nationally, journalist employment is projected to grow -3% over the next decade (decline). Demand in Hattiesburg may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Journalist Jobs in Hattiesburg

Browse open journalist positions in Hattiesburg, MS:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Hattiesburg

How much does a Journalist make in Hattiesburg, MS? ▼
The median journalist salary in Hattiesburg, Mississippi is $44,768 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $25,600 (10th percentile) to $88,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Hattiesburg? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,768, a journalist in Hattiesburg earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hattiesburg compare to the Mississippi state average for journalist pay? ▼
Hattiesburg's median journalist salary of $44,768 is 3.6% below the Mississippi state average of $46,447. 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 journalist salary of $44,768 in Hattiesburg has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Hattiesburg? ▼
Most journalist positions in Hattiesburg require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Writing, Investigative Research, Interviewing, AP Style. The job market is projected to grow -3% nationally over the next decade.