Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) Salary

Gulfport vs Laurel: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)

Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Gulfport, MS and Laurel, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Gulfport, MS
$242,128
$116.40/hr
Laurel, MS
$197,271
$94.84/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGulfport, MSLaurel, MS
Median Salary$242,128$197,271
Hourly Rate$116.40$94.84
Entry Level (P10)$204,309$141,459
25th Percentile$210,158$178,990
75th Percentile$242,128$238,460
Top Earner (P90)$292,761$264,596
Total Employed506
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Gulfport ($242,128) and Laurel ($197,271) nurse anesthetist salaries.GulfportLaurelMedian Salary$242,128$197,271Entry Level (P10)$204,309$141,459Top Earner (P90)$292,761$264,596US Median $248,893

Verdict

Gulfport, MS offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Laurel.

The salary gap between Gulfport and Laurel is $44,857 (22.74%). 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 Gulfport spans $88,452,Laurel spans $123,137. Laurel has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.

Gulfport
P10 (Entry)$204,309
P25$210,158
Median$242,128
P75$242,128
P90 (Top)$292,761
Laurel
P10 (Entry)$141,459
P25$178,990
Median$197,271
P75$238,460
P90 (Top)$264,596

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Gulfport ($269,013 effective) pays 16.87% more than Laurel ($230,188 effective).

Gulfport
Nominal: $242,128
CoL Index: 90.006
Adjusted: $269,013
Laurel
Nominal: $197,271
CoL Index: 85.7
Adjusted: $230,188

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 ($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

Choose Laurel if…

  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Gulfport grew 21.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.4% growth in Laurel over the same period.

Gulfport, MS

+21.3%

$189,740 (2019) → $230,160 (2025)

Laurel, MS

+15.4%

$162,482 (2024) → $187,520 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Gulfport or Laurel?

Gulfport has a higher median nurse anesthetist salary at $242,128/year, compared to Laurel at $197,271/year — a difference of $44,857 (22.74%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Gulfport and Laurel?

Gulfport nurse anesthetists earn $116.40/hr while Laurel hygienists earn $94.84/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Gulfport to Laurel as a nurse anesthetist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Gulfport and Laurel. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Gulfport = $269,013, Laurel = $230,188), job availability (50 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Gulfport vs Laurel?

Entry-level (10th percentile) nurse anesthetists earn $204,309 in Gulfport and $141,459 in Laurel. The Gulfport area offers higher starting salaries.
AJ

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.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Lee, DNP, CRNAData verified by Fatima Ahmad, MSN, CRNA

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