Columbus vs Gulfport: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Columbus, MS and Gulfport, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, MS | Gulfport, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,018 | $82,069▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.43 | $39.45▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,955 | $55,739▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $69,359▲ | $68,977 |
| 75th Percentile | $91,840 | $105,539▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,706 | $119,807▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 220▲ |
Verdict
Gulfport, MS offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Columbus and Gulfport is $51 (0.06%). Gulfport's median is -19.36% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $49,751,Gulfport spans $64,068. Gulfport has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced speech-language pathologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbus ($95,704 effective) pays 4.96% more than Gulfport ($91,182 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $95,704)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Gulfport if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,069/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($119,807)
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Columbus grew 25.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.0% growth in Gulfport over the same period.
Columbus, MS
$62,858 (2024) → $78,871 (2025)
Gulfport, MS
$71,770 (2019) → $78,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, MS
Gulfport, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Columbus or Gulfport?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Gulfport?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Gulfport as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Columbus vs Gulfport?
Written by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 8 years of experience in speech-language pathology. He specializes in pediatric language disorders. He works in a community health clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% 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, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov