Gulfport vs Laurel: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician 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 | $41,986▲ | $38,234 |
| Hourly Rate | $20.18▲ | $18.38 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,927▲ | $32,750 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,171▲ | $33,404 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,852▲ | $40,602 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $57,792▲ | $47,661 |
| Total Employed | 540▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Gulfport, MS offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Laurel.
The salary gap between Gulfport and Laurel is $3,752 (9.81%). Gulfport's median is -12.96% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gulfport spans $19,865,Laurel spans $14,911. 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 ($46,648 effective) pays 4.56% more than Laurel ($44,614 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 ($41,986/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($57,792)
- ✓Larger job market (540 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,648)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Laurel if…
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Gulfport grew 20.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 43.0% growth in Laurel over the same period.
Gulfport, MS
$33,150 (2019) → $39,820 (2025)
Laurel, MS
$25,363 (2024) → $36,261 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gulfport, MS
Laurel, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Emily Tran, PharmD
Career Analyst
Emily Tran has over 8 years of experience as a pharmacy technician. She specializes in medication therapy management. Her experience includes working in community pharmacies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.44% 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 Emily Tran, PharmD, a licensed pharmacy technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov