Jackson vs Pearl: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Jackson, MS and Pearl, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jackson, MS | Pearl, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,211 | $119,175▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.59 | $57.29▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,849 | $89,048▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $59,409 | $106,327▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $128,499 | $139,985▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,578▲ | $158,302 |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Jackson and Pearl are closely matched on overall physician assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Jackson and Pearl is $13,964 (13.27%). Pearl's median is -15.11% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jackson spans $120,729,Pearl spans $69,254. 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, Pearl ($139,061 effective) pays 17.70% more than Jackson ($118,151 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 ($164,578)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Pearl if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($119,175/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,061)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Jackson grew 36.2% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 29.4% growth in Pearl over the same period.
Jackson, MS
$74,760 (2020) → $101,830 (2025)
Pearl, MS
$89,132 (2024) → $115,346 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jackson, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Jackson or Pearl?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jackson and Pearl?
Should I relocate from Jackson to Pearl as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Jackson vs Pearl?
Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov