Massage Therapist Pay

Gulfport vs Vicksburg: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare massage therapist salaries between Gulfport, MS and Vicksburg, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Gulfport, MS
$39,146
$18.82/hr
Vicksburg, MS
$50,994
$24.51/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGulfport, MSVicksburg, MS
Median Salary$39,146$50,994
Hourly Rate$18.82$24.51
Entry Level (P10)$27,557$31,107
25th Percentile$33,081$38,648
75th Percentile$42,041$65,272
Top Earner (P90)$114,343$79,041
Total Employed806
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Gulfport ($39,146) and Vicksburg ($50,994) massage therapist salaries.GulfportVicksburgMedian Salary$39,146$50,994Entry Level (P10)$27,557$31,107Top Earner (P90)$114,343$79,041US Median $61,975

Verdict

Gulfport and Vicksburg are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Gulfport and Vicksburg is $11,848 (30.27%). Vicksburg's median is -17.72% 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,Vicksburg spans $47,934. Gulfport has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Gulfport
P10 (Entry)$27,557
P25$33,081
Median$39,146
P75$42,041
P90 (Top)$114,343
Vicksburg
P10 (Entry)$31,107
P25$38,648
Median$50,994
P75$65,272
P90 (Top)$79,041

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Vicksburg ($59,503 effective) pays 36.81% more than Gulfport ($43,493 effective).

Gulfport
Nominal: $39,146
CoL Index: 90.006
Adjusted: $43,493
Vicksburg
Nominal: $50,994
CoL Index: 85.7
Adjusted: $59,503

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 Vicksburg if…

  • Higher median salary ($50,994/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,503)
  • 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 Vicksburg over the same period.

Gulfport, MS

+9.2%

$33,800 (2020) → $36,920 (2025)

Vicksburg, MS

+62.4%

$29,621 (2024) → $48,094 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays massage therapists more: Gulfport or Vicksburg?

Vicksburg has a higher median massage therapist salary at $50,994/year, compared to Gulfport at $39,146/year — a difference of $11,848 (30.27%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Gulfport and Vicksburg?

Gulfport massage therapists earn $18.82/hr while Vicksburg hygienists earn $24.51/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Gulfport to Vicksburg as a massage therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Gulfport and Vicksburg. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Gulfport = $43,493, Vicksburg = $59,503), job availability (80 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Gulfport vs Vicksburg?

Entry-level (10th percentile) massage therapists earn $27,557 in Gulfport and $31,107 in Vicksburg. The Vicksburg area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Patel, LMTData verified by Carlos Ramirez, LMT

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