Jackson vs Laurel: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst 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 | $65,724▲ | $40,781 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.61▲ | $19.61 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,034▲ | $25,038 |
| 25th Percentile | $45,296▲ | $30,216 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,709▲ | $52,199 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,310▲ | $63,180 |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Jackson, MS offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Laurel.
The salary gap between Jackson and Laurel is $24,943 (61.16%). Jackson's median is -18.25% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jackson spans $52,276,Laurel spans $38,142. 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 ($73,807 effective) pays 55.10% more than Laurel ($47,586 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 ($65,724/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,310)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,807)
- ✓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, data analyst salaries in Jackson grew -36.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -34.3% growth in Laurel over the same period.
Jackson, MS
$98,630 (2021) → $62,906 (2025)
Laurel, MS
$59,445 (2024) → $39,032 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jackson, MS
Laurel, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Jackson or Laurel?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jackson and Laurel?
Should I relocate from Jackson to Laurel as a data analyst?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% 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 Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov