Hattiesburg vs Tupelo: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Hattiesburg, MS and Tupelo, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hattiesburg, MS | Tupelo, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,512▲ | $106,113 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.13▲ | $51.02 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,167▲ | $65,912 |
| 25th Percentile | $104,946▲ | $85,979 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,817 | $131,000▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $155,465▲ | $154,021 |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Hattiesburg, MS offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tupelo.
The salary gap between Hattiesburg and Tupelo is $4,399 (4.15%). Hattiesburg's median is -11.61% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hattiesburg spans $78,298,Tupelo spans $88,109. Tupelo has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Hattiesburg ($126,108 effective) pays 1.85% more than Tupelo ($123,819 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hattiesburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,512/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($155,465)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $126,108)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Tupelo if…
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Hattiesburg grew 9.4% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 31.1% growth in Tupelo over the same period.
Hattiesburg, MS
$97,450 (2021) → $106,620 (2025)
Tupelo, MS
$78,079 (2024) → $102,376 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hattiesburg, MS
Tupelo, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% 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 Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov