Gulfport vs Tupelo: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Gulfport, MS and Tupelo, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gulfport, MS | Tupelo, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,146 | $52,597▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.82 | $25.29▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $27,557 | $30,506▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $33,081 | $41,247▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $42,041 | $67,325▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $114,343▲ | $81,525 |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Gulfport and Tupelo are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Gulfport and Tupelo is $13,451 (34.36%). Tupelo's median is -15.13% 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,Tupelo spans $51,019. 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, Tupelo ($61,373 effective) pays 41.11% 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 Tupelo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($52,597/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,373)
- ✓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 Tupelo over the same period.
Gulfport, MS
$33,800 (2020) → $36,920 (2025)
Tupelo, MS
$30,553 (2024) → $49,606 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gulfport, MS
Tupelo, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Gulfport or Tupelo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gulfport and Tupelo?
Should I relocate from Gulfport to Tupelo as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Gulfport vs Tupelo?
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