Hattiesburg vs Olive Branch: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Hattiesburg, MS and Olive Branch, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hattiesburg, MS | Olive Branch, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,475▲ | $45,322 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.75▲ | $21.79 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,547▲ | $34,310 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,613▲ | $39,862 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,368▲ | $52,899 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,270▲ | $62,424 |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Hattiesburg, MS offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Olive Branch.
The salary gap between Hattiesburg and Olive Branch is $6,153 (13.58%). Hattiesburg's median is -7.91% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hattiesburg spans $52,723,Olive Branch spans $28,114. 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, Hattiesburg ($58,739 effective) pays 11.07% more than Olive Branch ($52,884 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hattiesburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,475/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,270)
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $58,739)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Olive Branch if…
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Hattiesburg grew 4.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.2% growth in Olive Branch over the same period.
Hattiesburg, MS
$47,350 (2019) → $49,500 (2025)
Olive Branch, MS
$35,677 (2024) → $43,583 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hattiesburg, MS
Olive Branch, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Hattiesburg or Olive Branch?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hattiesburg and Olive Branch?
Should I relocate from Hattiesburg to Olive Branch as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Hattiesburg vs Olive Branch?
Written by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder
Career Analyst
James has over 10 years of experience in welding. He specializes in MIG and TIG welding. He has worked in various manufacturing settings.
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 James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov