Entry-Level Data Analyst Salary in Gulfport, MS: $30,940 (2026)
Quick Answer:New data analysts entering the Gulfport, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $30,940 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Gulfport's local price level (BEA RPP 90.0 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $34,375 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($49,053) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Gulfport offers a competitive starting point for new graduates entering the data analytics field, with entry-level roles projected to start around $30,940 in 2026. While this figure is significantly lower than the median annual salary of $49,053 for all data analysts in the city, it reflects a realistic expectation for those launching their careers. Over the first few years, a new grad can anticipate salary growth that brings them closer to the $40,728 mark, ultimately aiming for the median as they gain experience. For fresh graduates seeking their first data analyst positions, Gulfport presents a promising environment, particularly considering the city's relatively affordable cost of living, evidenced by its cost of living index sitting at 90.006, which is below the national average.
Career Earnings Timeline in Gulfport
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gulfport
Entry-level data analysts in Gulfport, MS typically start between $30,940 and $40,728 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $41,611 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $49,053 — 38.98% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average data analysis program cost in Mississippi of $38,000 represents just 122.82% of the starting data analyst pay ($30,940/year) in Gulfport. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates reflect two main pathways: bachelor's degree in computer science, statistics, or mathematics ($40k-$120k), or master's degree in data science ($30k-$80k). Intensive bootcamps ($10k-$20k) offer faster entry but typically require prior technical background.
DA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Gulfport
- 1Research the Gulfport market: entry-level data analyst pay ranges from $30,940 to $40,728, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the data analysis field — employers in MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Gulfport, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Gulfport for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Gulfport's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Data Analyst Compensation Range
The data analyst wage spread in Gulfport is $41,611 ( 134.49%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $30,940, experienced hygienists can earn up to $72,551.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$26,173
2025 BLS Actual
$29,613
2026 Current Est.
$30,940
2021–2027 Growth
+23.5%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Gulfport (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $26,173 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,680 | Actual |
| 2023 | $26,896 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,136 | Actual |
| 2025 | $29,613 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30,940 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32,326 | Projected |
Entry-level data analyst compensation (10th percentile) in Gulfport, MS grew 13.1% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $26,173 in 2021 to $29,613 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $32,326. New graduates entering the Gulfport job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gulfport metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.48% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your data analysis Career in Gulfport
In Gulfport, employers actively recruiting new graduates in data analytics include local businesses as well as larger firms looking for entry-level talent. Although Gulfport may not house many FAANG companies, rapidly growing tech sectors often provide openings for candidates with strong skills in Python, SQL, and machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow. Continuing education, especially through a Master’s or PhD in relevant fields, notably enhances earning potential, setting candidates apart in a competitive job market. With ML engineering roles commanding higher salaries compared to traditional analytics positions, graduates should strategically position themselves for such opportunities. First-year salaries span a wide range depending on skills and experience, and new analysts can realistically expect to see significant growth over the initial three years as they flesh out their portfolios and enter higher-compensation zones in Gulfport's burgeoning market.
More salary data for Gulfport, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for data analysts in Gulfport in 2026?
How fast do data analyst salaries grow in Gulfport?
Is data analysis school worth it in Gulfport?
What do new data analysts make right out of school in Gulfport?
How do I become a data analyst in Mississippi?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Mississippi
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new data analysis graduates. A 4.48% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Gulfport. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 3-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.48%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for data analysts (SOC 15-2051).
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