Hattiesburg vs Meridian: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Hattiesburg, MS and Meridian, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hattiesburg, MS | Meridian, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $37,737 | $38,965▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.14 | $18.74▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,050 | $31,949▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $32,887 | $33,234▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $40,770 | $41,077▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $47,257 | $48,261▲ |
| Total Employed | 290▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Meridian, MS offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hattiesburg.
The salary gap between Hattiesburg and Meridian is $1,228 (3.25%). Meridian's median is -18.76% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hattiesburg spans $16,207,Meridian spans $16,312. Meridian has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Meridian ($45,467 effective) pays 5.58% more than Hattiesburg ($43,063 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hattiesburg if…
- ✓Larger job market (290 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Meridian if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($38,965/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($48,261)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,467)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Hattiesburg grew 19.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 42.8% growth in Meridian over the same period.
Hattiesburg, MS
$30,160 (2019) → $35,950 (2025)
Meridian, MS
$25,998 (2024) → $37,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hattiesburg, MS
Meridian, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Hattiesburg or Meridian?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hattiesburg and Meridian?
Should I relocate from Hattiesburg to Meridian as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Hattiesburg vs Meridian?
Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% 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 Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov