Hattiesburg vs Starkville: Phlebotomist Salary (2026)
Compare phlebotomist salaries between Hattiesburg, MS and Starkville, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hattiesburg, MS | Starkville, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,445▲ | $39,386 |
| Hourly Rate | $18.96▲ | $18.93 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,037▲ | $30,767 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,304 | $34,897▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $49,403▲ | $41,426 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $51,221▲ | $48,339 |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Hattiesburg, MS offers better overall compensation for phlebotomists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Starkville.
The salary gap between Hattiesburg and Starkville is $59 (0.15%). Hattiesburg's median is -16.54% compared to the US national median of $47,261.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hattiesburg spans $19,184,Starkville spans $17,572. 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, Starkville ($45,958 effective) pays 2.10% more than Hattiesburg ($45,012 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 ($39,445/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($51,221)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Starkville if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,958)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, phlebotomist salaries in Hattiesburg grew 26.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 41.3% growth in Starkville over the same period.
Hattiesburg, MS
$29,830 (2021) → $37,750 (2025)
Starkville, MS
$26,668 (2024) → $37,694 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hattiesburg, MS
Starkville, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the hourly rate difference between Hattiesburg and Starkville?
Should I relocate from Hattiesburg to Starkville as a phlebotomist?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MLT
Career Analyst
Aisha has over 10 years of experience in clinical laboratory technology. She specializes in blood collection and processing. She works in a large urban hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.49% 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 Aisha Patel, MLT, a licensed phlebotomist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov