Salaries in Madison, MS
What every job actually pays โ cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 ยท 27 occupations ยท BLS + Census data
You might assume a place with a median income over $120,000 would feel expensive. But the median household in Madison, Mississippi is pulling in $120,918 in a city where the cost of living is nearly 10% below the national average. Itโs a quiet economic powerhouse tucked in the Jackson metro, and the numbers are a little surprising.
Hereโs what that $90.7 cost-of-living index really means. It makes your paycheck stretch further, especially on housingโa one-bedroom apartment runs about $997 a month. That $120k median income isn't just for show; in terms of pure purchasing power, it feels more like a $133k salary in an average U.S. city. Itโs a genuine bargain for the quality of life you get.
So whoโs earning that money? Madison is a hub for healthcare and professional services. St. Dominic Hospital is a massive anchor, and you see the ripple effect in the high pay for pharmacists and marketing managers who support those systems. The tech scene is also growing, thanks to nearby Jackson State University and a pipeline of skilled software developers. Itโs not a corporate giant town, but itโs a sweet spot for mid-career professionals in stable, high-demand fields.
The honest catch? Wages are good, but theyโre not necessarily booming. The 3.8% unemployment rate shows a tight job market, which can keep wage growth modest. This city works beautifully for established professionalsโthink project managers, construction leads, and healthcare workersโwho want their salary to go the distance. Itโs less of a gold rush for entry-level folks.
The data below will break down exactly which salaries make that math work, from the top-paying roles to the averages that define the local market.
๐ Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Madison
Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.
Marketing Manager
Pharmacist
Software Developer
Construction Manager
Project Manager
๐ Complete Salary Guide โ All 27 Occupations in Madison
COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (91/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is below the US average.
| # | Occupation โ | Raw Salary โ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marketing Manager | $153,222 |
| 2 | Pharmacist | $132,234 |
| 3 | Software Developer | $123,709 |
| 4 | Construction Manager | $105,190 |
| 5 | Project Manager | $98,454 |
| 6 | Physical Therapist | $96,928 |
| 7 | Financial Analyst | $96,247 |
| 8 | Web Developer | $90,162 |
| 9 | Dental Hygienist | $85,087 |
| 10 | Accountant | $83,678 |
| 11 | Registered Nurse | $83,668 |
| 12 | Data Analyst | $81,034 |
| 13 | Police Officer | $72,820 |
| 14 | Human Resources Specialist | $65,762 |
| 15 | Elementary School Teacher | $61,893 |
| 16 | Plumber | $61,582 |
| 17 | Paralegal | $60,999 |
| 18 | Electrician | $59,832 |
| 19 | Real Estate Agent | $59,764 |
| 20 | Graphic Designer | $59,628 |
| 21 | Firefighter | $55,526 |
| 22 | Carpenter | $55,331 |
| 23 | HVAC Technician | $54,116 |
| 24 | Heavy Truck Driver | $51,608 |
| 25 | Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $48,605 |
| 26 | Welder | $48,206 |
| 27 | Medical Assistant | $37,202 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
๐๏ธ Living Costs in Madison
๐งฎ Can You Afford to Live in Madison?
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โ Madison Salary FAQ
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๐ Editor's Verdict: Is Madison Worth It?
Hereโs my honest verdict: Madison is worth it if youโre a high-earning Marketing Manager or willing to become one. The $77k average is respectable, but the real story is that Marketing Managers take home $153k, or a COL-adjusted $169kโmaking this a goldmine for that specific role. For everyone else, the math is trickier.
Who wins here? Tech and healthcare professionals with specialized skills will do well, but the trades are the unsung heroesโsteady demand, solid pay, and a low cost of living. The $997 rent on a $77k salary is a dream compared to big cities, but donโt let that fool you. This isnโt a place for job-hopping or career pivots; itโs a stable, affordable home base for established professionals.
My advice? If youโre moving here for work, lock in that job before you sign a lease. Madison rewards planning, not spontaneity.