Hattiesburg vs Ridgeland: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist 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 | $77,098 | $83,743▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $37.06 | $40.26▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,016 | $56,977▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,424 | $71,108▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $85,553 | $93,975▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,953 | $105,294▲ |
| Total Employed | 90▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Ridgeland, MS offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hattiesburg.
The salary gap between Hattiesburg and Ridgeland is $6,645 (8.62%). Ridgeland's median is -17.72% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hattiesburg spans $48,937,Ridgeland spans $48,317. 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 ($97,716 effective) pays 11.07% more than Hattiesburg ($87,978 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 (90 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Ridgeland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,743/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,294)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,716)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Hattiesburg grew 28.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.5% growth in Ridgeland over the same period.
Hattiesburg, MS
$57,940 (2019) → $74,140 (2025)
Ridgeland, MS
$64,180 (2024) → $80,530 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hattiesburg, MS
Ridgeland, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Hattiesburg or Ridgeland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hattiesburg and Ridgeland?
Should I relocate from Hattiesburg to Ridgeland as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Hattiesburg vs Ridgeland?
Written by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 8 years of experience in speech-language pathology. He specializes in pediatric language disorders. He works in a community health clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% 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, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov