Jackson vs Starkville: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Jackson, MS and Starkville, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jackson, MS | Starkville, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,194 | $114,452▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.98 | $55.03▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,745▲ | $66,382 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,374 | $93,913▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $130,198 | $142,368▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,894 | $177,401▲ |
| Total Employed | 90▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Starkville, MS offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Jackson.
The salary gap between Jackson and Starkville is $4,258 (3.86%). Starkville's median is -16.66% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jackson spans $94,149,Starkville spans $111,019. Starkville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinarians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Starkville ($133,550 effective) pays 7.92% more than Jackson ($123,747 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jackson if…
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Starkville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($114,452/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($177,401)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $133,550)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Jackson grew 34.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 44.6% growth in Starkville over the same period.
Jackson, MS
$77,930 (2019) → $104,390 (2025)
Starkville, MS
$75,005 (2024) → $108,424 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jackson, MS
Starkville, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Jackson or Starkville?
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Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% 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 Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov