Salaries in Meridian, MS

Here’s a truth about Meridian that’ll surprise you: a software developer here actually has more purchasing power than one in many larger Southern cities. With a cost of living index at 84, Meridian isn’t just cheap—it’s a place where a high salary stretches like taffy.

Let’s talk real money. That $121,151 software developer salary? Adjusted for Meridian’s low costs, it’s effectively worth $144,227 nationally. But the flip side is stark. The median household income is just $34,657, and the average salary across all roles is only $54,270. Sure, a one-bedroom apartment runs a reasonable $714 a month, but if you’re not in one of the top professions, that cheap rent eats up a much bigger piece of your paycheck.

This is a city where healthcare and education are the backbone. You’ve got Rush Health Systems and Naval Air Station Meridian as major employers, which explains why Registered Nurses here pull down a solid $81,938. The public school system is also a key employer for teachers. The tech and accounting pay is impressive for a city this size, but you have to wonder if the limited pool of jobs with those salaries (only 20.7% of folks have a bachelor’s degree) keeps the overall median so low.

Here’s the honest catch: while the low cost of living is a huge draw, wages for most roles haven’t exactly kept pace with the national creep in prices. Meridian works beautifully for a remote worker earning a coastal salary, or for a nurse, teacher, or tradesperson who owns a home. For everyone else, it’s a tight budget.

The data below will show you exactly where you land in that equation.