Gulfport vs Hattiesburg: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Gulfport, MS and Hattiesburg, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gulfport, MS | Hattiesburg, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $37,359 | $37,737▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $17.96 | $18.14▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,735 | $31,050▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $32,593 | $32,887▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $40,581 | $40,770▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $42,397 | $47,257▲ |
| Total Employed | 480▲ | 290 |
Verdict
Hattiesburg, MS offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Gulfport.
The salary gap between Gulfport and Hattiesburg is $378 (1.01%). Hattiesburg's median is -21.32% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gulfport spans $11,662,Hattiesburg spans $16,207. Hattiesburg has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Hattiesburg ($43,063 effective) pays 3.75% more than Gulfport ($41,507 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gulfport if…
- ✓Larger job market (480 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Hattiesburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($37,737/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($47,257)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,063)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Gulfport grew 26.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.2% growth in Hattiesburg over the same period.
Gulfport, MS
$28,140 (2019) → $35,590 (2025)
Hattiesburg, MS
$30,160 (2019) → $35,950 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gulfport, MS
Hattiesburg, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Gulfport or Hattiesburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gulfport and Hattiesburg?
Should I relocate from Gulfport to Hattiesburg as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Gulfport vs Hattiesburg?
Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% 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 Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov