Gulfport vs Starkville: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Gulfport, MS and Starkville, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gulfport, MS | Starkville, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $242,128▲ | $207,424 |
| Hourly Rate | $116.40▲ | $99.72 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $204,309▲ | $133,191 |
| 25th Percentile | $210,158▲ | $189,981 |
| 75th Percentile | $242,128 | $251,329▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $292,761▲ | $281,813 |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Gulfport, MS offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Starkville.
The salary gap between Gulfport and Starkville is $34,704 (16.73%). 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,Starkville spans $148,622. Starkville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Gulfport ($269,013 effective) pays 11.15% more than Starkville ($242,035 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 ($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 Starkville 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 Starkville over the same period.
Gulfport, MS
$189,740 (2019) → $230,160 (2025)
Starkville, MS
$170,844 (2024) → $197,171 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gulfport, MS
Starkville, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Gulfport or Starkville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gulfport and Starkville?
Should I relocate from Gulfport to Starkville as a nurse anesthetist?
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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