Jackson vs Starkville: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer 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 | $83,674 | $89,296▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.23 | $42.93▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,027▲ | $62,355 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,027 | $75,830▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $103,095 | $110,785▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $137,913▲ | $133,755 |
| Total Employed | 230▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Jackson and Starkville are closely matched on overall mechanical engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Jackson and Starkville is $5,622 (6.72%). Starkville's median is -16.66% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jackson spans $73,886,Starkville spans $71,400. Jackson 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 ($104,196 effective) pays 10.89% more than Jackson ($93,965 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jackson if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($137,913)
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Starkville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($89,296/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,196)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Jackson grew -10.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.5% growth in Starkville over the same period.
Jackson, MS
$90,810 (2019) → $81,300 (2025)
Starkville, MS
$70,838 (2024) → $86,763 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jackson, MS
Starkville, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Jackson or Starkville?
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Should I relocate from Jackson to Starkville as a mechanical engineer?
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Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% 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 Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov