Senior Registered Nurse Salary in Hattiesburg, MS: $101,645 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of registered nurses working in Hattiesburg, MS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $101,645/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1141. Strip back Hattiesburg's price premium (BEA RPP 87.6, 12% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $115,989 in average-cost America. The 27% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Hattiesburg, an experienced registered nurse can command a median annual salary of $80,320 in 2026, showcasing a significant potential for higher earnings as senior professionals. The top earners in this field can expect an impressive salary of $101,645, demonstrating the substantial experience premium offered to skilled nurses. This income difference reflects the demand for seasoned practitioners capable of meeting complex healthcare needs. To reach such levels of compensation, a combination of advanced clinical skills, leadership capabilities, and often, specialized certifications is necessary. The economic landscape in Hattiesburg allows for a promising career trajectory for those seeking to maximize their earning potential in senior registered nurse roles.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hattiesburg
Experienced registered nurses at the top of the pay scale in Hattiesburg earn between $80,731 and $101,645 per year (2026 est.). This $36,132 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hattiesburg median of $80,320 sits 21.81% below the US median.
Top RN Salary Comparison
| Level | Hattiesburg | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $80,320 | $102,730 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,731 | $118,316 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $101,645 | $144,770 |
In Hattiesburg, experienced registered nurses (P90) earn 26.55% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Registered Nurse Pay in Hattiesburg
Advanced Certifications in Mississippi
MS registered nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $80,320 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hattiesburg employers.
Specialty Focus
Registered Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Hattiesburg command premium compensation, often reaching the $80,731–$101,645 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hattiesburg metro area, which is a large RN employment market, often pay above-market rates for experienced registered nurses who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured registered nurses in Hattiesburg with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Registered Nurses in Mississippi who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Registered Nurse Career & Wage Growth Path in Hattiesburg
Clinical Registered Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Registered Nurse
5-10 yearsRegistered Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHattiesburg ranks #20 of 20 Mississippi cities for top earner registered nurse salary (90th percentile: $101,645).
Top 10% registered nurse compensation in Hattiesburg ($101,645) is 8.73% below the Mississippi average P90 ($111,363).
2019 BLS Actual
$65,840
2025 BLS Actual
$96,520
2026 Current Est.
$101,645
2019–2027 Growth
+62.6%
Salary Trajectory for Registered Nurses in Hattiesburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.31% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,840 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,250 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,930 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,330 | Actual |
| 2023 | $99,090 | Actual |
| 2024 | $92,910 | Actual |
| 2025 | $96,520 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $101,645 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $107,043 | Projected |
Top-earning registered nurses (90th percentile) in Hattiesburg saw their compensation grow 46.6% from $65,840 in 2019 to $96,520 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.31% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $107,043 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hattiesburg metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.31% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Registered Nurse Earnings in Hattiesburg
Opportunities for specialized training can notably boost senior registered nurse pay in MS. Specializations in areas such as critical care (CCRN), emergency (CEN), oncology (OCN), and perioperative (CNOR) not only enhance job prospects but generally come with higher pay scales compared to general nursing roles. Additionally, compensation can vary significantly among employer types; hospital systems, surgical specialty centers, and home health agencies all have different structures and pay models. Leadership roles such as nurse manager or clinical nurse specialist often come with salary increases and the potential for further career advancement. Furthermore, obtaining advanced credentials, including RN licenses and specialty certifications from organizations like AACN, can significantly heighten one’s marketability. Non-salary compensation factors, including shift differentials for nights and weekends, also contribute to overall earnings. In a market like Hattiesburg’s, where demand for qualified nurses is steadily increasing, exploring avenues for specialization and advancement is key to secure a top registered nurse salary.
More salary data for Hattiesburg, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced registered nurses make in Hattiesburg in 2026?
What drives higher registered nurse pay in Hattiesburg?
What certifications boost registered nurse salary in Hattiesburg?
Can experienced registered nurses make six figures in Hattiesburg?
How much does registered nurse salary increase over time in Hattiesburg?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $96,520 for registered nurses in the Hattiesburg metro area. A 5.31% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.31%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for registered nurses (SOC 29-1141).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov