Gulfport vs Pearl: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Gulfport, MS and Pearl, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gulfport, MS | Pearl, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,146 | $52,609▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.82 | $25.29▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $27,557 | $30,857▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $33,081 | $39,235▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $42,041 | $67,340▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $114,343▲ | $81,543 |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Gulfport and Pearl are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Gulfport and Pearl is $13,463 (34.39%). Pearl's median is -15.11% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gulfport spans $86,786,Pearl spans $50,686. Gulfport 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 ($61,387 effective) pays 41.14% 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 Gulfport if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($114,343)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Pearl if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($52,609/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,387)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Gulfport grew 9.2% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 62.4% growth in Pearl over the same period.
Gulfport, MS
$33,800 (2020) → $36,920 (2025)
Pearl, MS
$30,560 (2024) → $49,617 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gulfport, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Gulfport or Pearl?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gulfport and Pearl?
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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