Welders Salary

Biloxi vs Hattiesburg: Welder Salary (2026)

Compare welder salaries between Biloxi, MS and Hattiesburg, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Biloxi, MS
$66,750
$32.09/hr
Hattiesburg, MS
$51,475
$24.75/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBiloxi, MSHattiesburg, MS
Median Salary$66,750$51,475
Hourly Rate$32.09$24.75
Entry Level (P10)$49,035$39,547
25th Percentile$57,603$43,613
75th Percentile$76,837$65,368
Top Earner (P90)$92,539$92,270
Total Employed8160
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Biloxi ($66,750) and Hattiesburg ($51,475) welder salaries.BiloxiHattiesburgMedian Salary$66,750$51,475Entry Level (P10)$49,035$39,547Top Earner (P90)$92,539$92,270US Median $55,895

Verdict

Biloxi, MS offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hattiesburg.

The salary gap between Biloxi and Hattiesburg is $15,275 (29.67%). Biloxi's median is +19.42% compared to the US national median of $55,895.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Biloxi spans $43,504,Hattiesburg spans $52,723. Hattiesburg has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced welders.

Biloxi
P10 (Entry)$49,035
P25$57,603
Median$66,750
P75$76,837
P90 (Top)$92,539
Hattiesburg
P10 (Entry)$39,547
P25$43,613
Median$51,475
P75$65,368
P90 (Top)$92,270

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Biloxi ($77,888 effective) pays 32.60% more than Hattiesburg ($58,739 effective).

Biloxi
Nominal: $66,750
CoL Index: 85.7
Adjusted: $77,888
Hattiesburg
Nominal: $51,475
CoL Index: 87.633
Adjusted: $58,739

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Biloxi if…

  • Higher median salary ($66,750/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($92,539)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,888)
  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Choose Hattiesburg if…

  • Larger job market (160 employed)
  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Biloxi grew 73.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.5% growth in Hattiesburg over the same period.

Biloxi, MS

+73.4%

$37,008 (2024) → $64,189 (2025)

Hattiesburg, MS

+4.5%

$47,350 (2019) → $49,500 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays welders more: Biloxi or Hattiesburg?

Biloxi has a higher median welder salary at $66,750/year, compared to Hattiesburg at $51,475/year — a difference of $15,275 (29.67%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Biloxi and Hattiesburg?

Biloxi welders earn $32.09/hr while Hattiesburg hygienists earn $24.75/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Biloxi to Hattiesburg as a welder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Biloxi and Hattiesburg. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Biloxi = $77,888, Hattiesburg = $58,739), job availability (8 vs 160 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level welders earn in Biloxi vs Hattiesburg?

Entry-level (10th percentile) welders earn $49,035 in Biloxi and $39,547 in Hattiesburg. The Biloxi area offers higher starting salaries.
JM

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.

Clinically reviewed by Priya Singh, CWIData verified by Liam O'Connor, Welding Instructor

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