Clinton vs Gulfport: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Clinton, MS and Gulfport, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Clinton, MS | Gulfport, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,833▲ | $39,146 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.48▲ | $18.82 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,348▲ | $27,557 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,417▲ | $33,081 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,507▲ | $42,041 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,692 | $114,343▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 80▲ |
Verdict
Clinton and Gulfport are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Clinton and Gulfport is $9,687 (24.75%). Clinton's median is -21.21% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Clinton spans $45,344,Gulfport spans $86,786. Gulfport has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced massage therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Clinton ($56,981 effective) pays 31.01% more than Gulfport ($43,493 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Clinton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,833/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,981)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Gulfport if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($114,343)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Clinton grew 62.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.2% growth in Gulfport over the same period.
Clinton, MS
$28,366 (2024) → $46,056 (2025)
Gulfport, MS
$33,800 (2020) → $36,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Clinton, MS
Gulfport, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Clinton or Gulfport?
What is the hourly rate difference between Clinton and Gulfport?
Should I relocate from Clinton to Gulfport as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Clinton vs Gulfport?
Written by Jordan Lee, LMT
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in massage therapy. They specialize in sports massage. They work in a wellness center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.03% 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 Jordan Lee, LMT, a licensed massage therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov