Hattiesburg vs Ridgeland: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Hattiesburg, MS and Ridgeland, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hattiesburg, MS | Ridgeland, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $37,737 | $39,462▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.14 | $18.97▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,050 | $32,992▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $32,887 | $35,453▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $40,770▲ | $40,678 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $47,257▲ | $46,921 |
| Total Employed | 290▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Hattiesburg and Ridgeland are closely matched on overall medical assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Hattiesburg and Ridgeland is $1,725 (4.57%). Ridgeland's median is -17.72% 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,Ridgeland spans $13,929. Hattiesburg 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, Ridgeland ($46,047 effective) pays 6.93% 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…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($47,257)
- ✓Larger job market (290 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Ridgeland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($39,462/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,047)
- ✓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 Ridgeland over the same period.
Hattiesburg, MS
$30,160 (2019) → $35,950 (2025)
Ridgeland, MS
$26,330 (2024) → $37,594 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hattiesburg, MS
Ridgeland, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Hattiesburg or Ridgeland?
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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