Columbus vs Gulfport: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Columbus, MS and Gulfport, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, MS | Gulfport, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $200,575 | $242,128▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $96.43 | $116.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $132,385 | $204,309▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $186,080 | $210,158▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $238,888 | $242,128▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $263,265 | $292,761▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 50▲ |
Verdict
Gulfport, MS offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Columbus and Gulfport is $41,553 (20.72%). Gulfport's median is -2.72% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $130,880,Gulfport spans $88,452. Columbus 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 ($269,013 effective) pays 14.94% more than Columbus ($234,043 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Gulfport if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($242,128/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($292,761)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $269,013)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Columbus grew 15.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.3% growth in Gulfport over the same period.
Columbus, MS
$165,203 (2024) → $190,661 (2025)
Gulfport, MS
$189,740 (2019) → $230,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, MS
Gulfport, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Columbus or Gulfport?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Gulfport?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Gulfport as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Columbus vs Gulfport?
Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.20% 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 Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov