Gulfport vs Tupelo: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Gulfport, MS and Tupelo, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gulfport, MS | Tupelo, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $109,437 | $119,148▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.61 | $57.28▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,539 | $85,899▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $85,539 | $110,878▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $149,184▲ | $139,919 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $183,031▲ | $158,210 |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Gulfport and Tupelo are closely matched on overall physician assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Gulfport and Tupelo is $9,711 (8.87%). Tupelo's median is -15.13% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gulfport spans $97,492,Tupelo spans $72,311. 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, Tupelo ($139,029 effective) pays 14.34% more than Gulfport ($121,589 effective).
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 ($183,031)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Tupelo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($119,148/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,029)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Gulfport grew 6.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.4% growth in Tupelo over the same period.
Gulfport, MS
$99,720 (2019) → $105,920 (2025)
Tupelo, MS
$89,111 (2024) → $115,319 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gulfport, MS
Tupelo, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Gulfport or Tupelo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gulfport and Tupelo?
Should I relocate from Gulfport to Tupelo as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Gulfport vs Tupelo?
Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov