Average Registered Nurse Salary in Hattiesburg
Considering a move to Hattiesburg? Salary data for registered nurse salary is more affordable than average, coming in about 10% below the national figure. That's worth knowing whether you're relocating from a coastal metro or a smaller market. This MS smaller city offers a warm-weather lifestyle that includes year-round outdoor activities, from fishing to football tailgates. The specifics below will help you budget accurately.
What Affects Registered Nurse Salary Pay in Hattiesburg?
The Hattiesburg metro tells a specific economic story. A warm-weather lifestyle that includes year-round outdoor activities, from fishing to football tailgates. On the housing front, this is a housing market where the American Dream of owning a home is still financially realistic. For compensation in registered nurse roles, the practical upshot is a price-competitive market where local businesses work harder for each customer. That local reality is more useful than any national statistic.
What Matters Most
Nursing specialty, shift differential, and facility type create a wider range than most people expect. ICU and OR nurses earn 15-25% more than general floor nurses; night shift adds another 10-15%.
Pro Tip
Travel nursing contracts still offer $10,000-20,000 more per 13-week assignment than permanent positions. Even one or two travel stints per year can significantly boost annual income.
Common Mistake
Comparing salaries without factoring in benefits. Hospital-employed nurses typically receive health insurance, pension contributions, and tuition reimbursement worth $10,000-20,000/year beyond base pay.
Best Time to Buy
Flu season (October-March) and summer vacation coverage create the highest demand for per diem and travel nurses. Rates during these windows are 20-40% above baseline.
Registered Nurse Salary Pay: Hattiesburg vs State & National Average
| Category | Hattiesburg | Mississippi Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average salary | $67,770 | $67,689 | $75,000 |
| Low estimate | $49,698 | $50,767 | $56,250 |
| High estimate | $85,842 | $87,996 | $97,500 |
Take Action on This Data
Registered Nurse Salary in Hattiesburg: $49,698 – $85,842 (national avg: $75,000)
Purchasing Power
$67,770 in Hattiesburg has real purchasing power of ~$86,885 at national baseline. Your salary goes 10% further here than in an average-cost city.
Benefits Beyond Salary
In Hattiesburg, benefits packages often include better work-life balance, generous PTO, and lower insurance copays. Don't evaluate offers on salary alone — model the full package.
Year-over-Year Trend
Registered Nurse Salary in Hattiesburg increased 2% year-over-year, slightly above the national average.
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience Level in Hattiesburg
Is Hattiesburg Cheap or Expensive for Registered Nurse Salary?
Practical Advice for Hattiesburg
💡 Hattiesburg's smaller job market means fewer local opportunities, but remote work has fundamentally changed the equation. Earning a coastal salary while living here can result in 30-50% more purchasing power than peers in high-cost metros.
Smart Career Moves
- Research career advancement timelines at target employers
- Understand the 401(k) match structure: a 6% match on $80K = $4,800/year
- Look at the employer's health insurance contribution — it varies by $2,000-8,000/year
- Network with locals in your field to learn about unadvertised opportunities
- Calculate total compensation, not just base salary (benefits, equity, bonuses)
- Research salary ranges on Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, and BLS for your specific role
How to Maximize Registered Nurse Earnings in Hattiesburg
Negotiate beyond base salary: signing bonuses, stock options, remote flexibility, and professional development budgets can add 20-40% to total compensation.
Factor in MS state income tax when comparing offers across states — the difference can shift your effective pay by $3,000-9,000 per year.
Hattiesburg's job market rewards mobility. Employees who switch employers every 2-3 years typically see 10-20% salary increases versus 3-4% for those who stay put.
Use cost-of-living calculators to present your case when negotiating remote compensation. Showing your employer the data strengthens requests for location-adjusted pay.
Hidden Costs of Registered Nurse Salary in Hattiesburg That Most People Miss
The salary figure for registered nurse salary in Hattiesburg is just the starting point of your compensation story. After MS state income tax, federal tax, FICA, and benefit deductions, your take-home pay is typically 65-75% of your gross salary. In Hattiesburg, that translates to roughly $47,439 to $50,828 annually in actual spendable income.
Beyond raw pay, total compensation in Hattiesburg varies dramatically by employer. Health insurance contributions alone differ by $3,000-$8,000 per year between employers. A 401(k) match of 4-6% on a $68K salary adds $3K in free money annually. Remote work stipends, professional development budgets, and equity compensation can add another 10-25% to your effective pay — but only if you know to negotiate for them.
The hidden cost of career advancement in Hattiesburg: commute expenses ($234-$546/month including gas, parking, or transit), professional wardrobe, networking events, continuing education, and the stress premium of high-cost-of-living markets. When evaluating registered nurse salary offers in Hattiesburg, model the full picture — not just the number on the offer letter.
How Hattiesburg Compares Regionally for Registered Nurse Salary
Regionally, Hattiesburg occupies a value-oriented position for registered nurse salary costs. Compared to nearby Biloxi, Jackson, Mobile, Hattiesburg's pricing reflects its unique economic profile: a smaller market where personal relationships and local reputation drive pricing. The south region generally offers lower labor costs but higher weather-related expenses. Your decision should factor in not just the raw cost, but the value equation: what you get for what you pay, including response times, quality standards, and available options.
Registered Nurse Salary by Career Stage in Hattiesburg
Early Career (0-3 years)
$42,243 – $60,993/yearEntry-level registered nurse in Hattiesburg
Focus on skill development over salary optimization. Your purchasing power here is strong — invest the savings difference.
Mid-Career (4-8 years)
$64,382 – $77,258/yearExperienced registered nurse with specialized skills
This is your highest-leverage negotiation window. Multiple offers and demonstrated impact justify 15-25% above market midpoint in Hattiesburg.
Senior (8+ years)
$74,547 – $98,718/yearSenior registered nurse or team lead
At this level, base salary matters less than total compensation. Equity, bonuses, and leadership opportunities in Hattiesburg's market can add 30-50% to your effective pay.
Registered Nurse Salary Cost Trends in Hattiesburg
The cost trajectory for registered nurse salary in Hattiesburg reflects broader trends shaping the southern United States. At a cost index of 78, Hattiesburg has maintained relatively stable pricing, benefiting from a balanced job market where supply roughly matches demand. For those planning major decisions around registered nurse salary in Hattiesburg, the data suggests taking your time — the market is stable enough to allow careful comparison shopping.
The Bottom Line
Compare Hattiesburg with Other Cities
See how registered nurse salary costs compare in nearby markets.
Compare Registered Nurse Salary Pay in Nearby Cities
Related Salaries & Jobs in Hattiesburg
More Costs in Hattiesburg
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most common mistake people make with registered nurse salary in Hattiesburg?
Comparing salaries without factoring in benefits. Hospital-employed nurses typically receive health insurance, pension contributions, and tuition reimbursement worth $10,000-20,000/year beyond base pay. This applies in any market, but it's especially costly in Hattiesburg where even small mistakes can erode the savings you'd otherwise enjoy.
Is the Mississippi state average different from Hattiesburg's?
Mississippi's state average for registered nurse salary is $67,689, which is lower than Hattiesburg's average of $67,770. This means Hattiesburg is on the pricier side even within its own state.
How much does registered nurse salary cost in Hattiesburg?
Based on 2026 data from BLS and Census Bureau surveys, registered nurse salary in Hattiesburg, MS typically costs between $49,698 and $85,842. The average of $67,770 puts Hattiesburg 10% below the national average of $75,000.
How does Hattiesburg compare to other south cities?
Among southern cities in our database, Hattiesburg ranks as one of the more affordable options for registered nurse salary. Nearby alternatives include Biloxi and Jackson. Use our comparison tool to see exact category-by-category differences.
What factors affect registered nurse salary pay in Hattiesburg?
The main drivers are: local talent demand, cost of living (Hattiesburg's index: 78), Mississippi state income tax rates, industry concentration, and remote work availability. Nursing specialty, shift differential, and facility type create a wider range than most people expect. ICU and OR nurses earn 15-25% more than general floor nurses; night shift adds another 10-15%.