Jackson vs Laurel: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Jackson, MS and Laurel, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jackson, MS | Laurel, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $109,247▲ | $99,101 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.52▲ | $47.65 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,034 | $68,784▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $86,154▲ | $79,262 |
| 75th Percentile | $136,797▲ | $122,078 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $166,317▲ | $141,570 |
| Total Employed | 210▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Jackson, MS offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Laurel.
The salary gap between Jackson and Laurel is $10,146 (10.24%). Jackson's median is -12.63% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jackson spans $106,283,Laurel spans $72,786. Jackson has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Jackson ($122,683 effective) pays 6.09% more than Laurel ($115,637 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jackson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($109,247/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($166,317)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $122,683)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Laurel if…
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Jackson grew 11.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.1% growth in Laurel over the same period.
Jackson, MS
$94,180 (2019) → $105,400 (2025)
Laurel, MS
$72,919 (2024) → $95,611 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jackson, MS
Laurel, 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