Director of Systems Engineering.
Jackson.
$163,000
median salary, 22% below the national average
$127,000 to $211,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
A Director of Systems Engineering in Jackson earns a median of $163,000 in 2026. That is 22% below the national average. The range runs from $127,000 to $211,000, and where you land depends on your experience, your skills, and how well you negotiate.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $147,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$106,000
to $130,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$139,000
to $171,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$179,000
to $212,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$204,000
to $253,000
Salary trend
+6% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $113,000 to the total package.
Base
$163,000
Equity
$62,000
Bonus
$38,000
Signing
$13,000
Estimated total: $276,000
How Jackson compares
Jackson, MS
$163,000
Cost of living: 21% below average
National Average
$210,000
Jackson is $47,000 below
Director of Systems Engineering salary by city
Salary by role in Jackson
What you should know
Jackson is Mississippi's capital and largest city, with an economy driven by government, healthcare, and energy. The University of Mississippi Medical Center is a major employer. Jackson offers some of the lowest living costs in the country, making even moderate salaries deliver substantial purchasing power. That is the backdrop for every Director of Systems Engineering offer you will see here.
One thing people overlook: taxes. Mississippi's top income tax rate is 5%. Jackson has no city income tax. The very low cost of living means take home pay goes further here than almost any other metro. The salary on the offer letter is not the salary in your bank account. Always model your take home before you accept.
On negotiation: Benchmark against regional healthcare and government pay scales. Jackson employers offer competitive benefits packages to compensate for lower base salaries. The range for Director of Systems Engineerings in Jackson runs from $127,000 to $211,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A Senior Research Engineer in Jackson earns $162,000 (1% less)
- The highest-paying role in Jackson is Technical Fellow at $277,000
Common questions.
Director of Systems Engineering salary in other cities
Other salaries in Jackson
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