Gulfport vs Laurel: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Gulfport, MS and Laurel, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gulfport, MS | Laurel, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,069▲ | $80,667 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.45▲ | $38.78 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,739 | $56,685▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $68,977▲ | $66,571 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,539▲ | $91,762 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $119,807▲ | $103,331 |
| Total Employed | 220▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Gulfport, MS offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Laurel.
The salary gap between Gulfport and Laurel is $1,402 (1.74%). 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 Gulfport spans $64,068,Laurel spans $46,646. 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, Laurel ($94,127 effective) pays 3.23% 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 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
Choose Laurel if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $94,127)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Gulfport grew 10.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.5% growth in Laurel over the same period.
Gulfport, MS
$71,770 (2019) → $78,920 (2025)
Laurel, MS
$61,822 (2024) → $77,572 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gulfport, MS
Laurel, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Gulfport or Laurel?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gulfport and Laurel?
Should I relocate from Gulfport to Laurel as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Gulfport vs Laurel?
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