Gulfport vs Meridian: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Gulfport, MS and Meridian, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gulfport, MS | Meridian, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,053▲ | $41,801 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.58▲ | $20.10 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,940▲ | $24,374 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,728▲ | $30,155 |
| 75th Percentile | $63,838▲ | $53,506 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,551▲ | $64,792 |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Gulfport, MS offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Meridian.
The salary gap between Gulfport and Meridian is $7,252 (17.35%). Gulfport's median is -38.98% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gulfport spans $41,611,Meridian spans $40,418. 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 ($54,500 effective) pays 11.73% more than Meridian ($48,776 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 ($49,053/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($72,551)
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,500)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Meridian if…
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Gulfport grew -19.5% from 2022 to 2025, compared to -34.3% growth in Meridian over the same period.
Gulfport, MS
$58,340 (2022) → $46,950 (2025)
Meridian, MS
$60,933 (2024) → $40,009 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gulfport, MS
Meridian, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Gulfport or Meridian?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% 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 Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov