Gulfport vs Jackson: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Gulfport, MS and Jackson, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gulfport, MS | Jackson, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $90,273 | $102,804▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.40 | $49.43▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,681 | $56,395▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,415 | $77,722▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $125,578▲ | $123,803 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,293 | $172,798▲ |
| Total Employed | 320 | 430▲ |
Verdict
Jackson, MS offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Gulfport.
The salary gap between Gulfport and Jackson is $12,531 (13.88%). Jackson's median is -0.66% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gulfport spans $122,612,Jackson spans $116,403. 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, Jackson ($115,448 effective) pays 15.11% more than Gulfport ($100,297 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gulfport if…
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Jackson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,804/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,798)
- ✓Larger job market (430 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,448)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Gulfport grew -3.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.8% growth in Jackson over the same period.
Gulfport, MS
$91,380 (2019) → $87,960 (2025)
Jackson, MS
$78,360 (2019) → $100,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gulfport, MS
Jackson, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Gulfport or Jackson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gulfport and Jackson?
Should I relocate from Gulfport to Jackson as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Gulfport vs Jackson?
Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov