Gulfport vs Meridian: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer 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 | $90,273▲ | $84,081 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.40▲ | $40.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,681 | $59,207▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,415 | $67,501▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $125,578▲ | $105,996 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,293▲ | $130,282 |
| Total Employed | 320▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Gulfport, MS offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Meridian.
The salary gap between Gulfport and Meridian is $6,192 (7.36%). Gulfport's median is -12.77% 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,Meridian spans $71,075. 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 ($100,297 effective) pays 2.23% more than Meridian ($98,111 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 ($90,273/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($168,293)
- ✓Larger job market (320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,297)
- ✓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, civil engineer salaries in Gulfport grew -3.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.3% growth in Meridian over the same period.
Gulfport, MS
$91,380 (2019) → $87,960 (2025)
Meridian, MS
$63,370 (2024) → $81,926 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gulfport, MS
Meridian, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
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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