Jackson vs Madison: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Jackson, MS and Madison, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jackson, MS | Madison, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,018▲ | $86,837 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.84▲ | $41.74 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,609▲ | $59,812 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,863 | $74,683▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $93,220 | $96,845▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,134 | $115,366▲ |
| Total Employed | 8,700▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Jackson, MS offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Madison.
The salary gap between Jackson and Madison is $181 (0.21%). Jackson's median is -15.29% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jackson spans $45,525,Madison spans $55,554. Madison has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($101,327 effective) pays 3.69% more than Jackson ($97,720 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 ($87,018/year)
- ✓Larger job market (8,700 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($115,366)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,327)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Jackson grew 29.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 47.8% growth in Madison over the same period.
Jackson, MS
$63,610 (2019) → $82,630 (2025)
Madison, MS
$55,789 (2024) → $82,458 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jackson, MS
Madison, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Jackson or Madison?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jackson and Madison?
Should I relocate from Jackson to Madison as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Jackson vs Madison?
Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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 Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov