Gulfport vs Starkville: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Gulfport, MS and Starkville, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gulfport, MS | Starkville, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,571▲ | $114,061 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.74▲ | $54.84 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $104,226▲ | $86,150 |
| 25th Percentile | $114,488▲ | $106,559 |
| 75th Percentile | $145,554▲ | $131,496 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $176,289▲ | $142,066 |
| Total Employed | 600▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Gulfport, MS offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Starkville.
The salary gap between Gulfport and Starkville is $18,510 (16.23%). Gulfport's median is -3.14% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gulfport spans $72,063,Starkville spans $55,916. 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, Gulfport ($147,291 effective) pays 10.67% more than Starkville ($133,093 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 ($132,571/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($176,289)
- ✓Larger job market (600 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $147,291)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Starkville if…
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Gulfport grew 23.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.8% growth in Starkville over the same period.
Gulfport, MS
$103,610 (2019) → $128,150 (2025)
Starkville, MS
$104,173 (2024) → $110,257 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gulfport, MS
Starkville, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov