Hattiesburg vs Hernando: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Hattiesburg, MS and Hernando, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hattiesburg, MS | Hernando, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,235 | $54,975▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.63 | $26.43▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,832▲ | $39,331 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,213▲ | $48,257 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,816 | $66,933▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,137 | $79,019▲ |
| Total Employed | 210▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Hernando, MS offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hattiesburg.
The salary gap between Hattiesburg and Hernando is $3,740 (7.30%). Hernando's median is -19.32% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hattiesburg spans $24,305,Hernando spans $39,688. Hernando has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Hernando ($64,148 effective) pays 9.72% more than Hattiesburg ($58,465 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 (210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Hernando if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,975/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,019)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,148)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Hattiesburg grew 31.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 46.9% growth in Hernando over the same period.
Hattiesburg, MS
$37,000 (2019) → $48,610 (2025)
Hernando, MS
$35,498 (2024) → $52,158 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hattiesburg, MS
Hernando, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Hattiesburg or Hernando?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hattiesburg and Hernando?
Should I relocate from Hattiesburg to Hernando as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Hattiesburg vs Hernando?
Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% 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 Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov