Gulfport vs Meridian: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber 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 | $64,629▲ | $53,140 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.07▲ | $25.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,629▲ | $38,257 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,866▲ | $42,340 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,629 | $68,020▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $74,214 | $82,368▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,240▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Gulfport, MS offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Meridian.
The salary gap between Gulfport and Meridian is $11,489 (21.62%). Gulfport's median is -1.19% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gulfport spans $33,585,Meridian spans $44,111. Meridian has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced plumbers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Gulfport ($71,805 effective) pays 15.80% more than Meridian ($62,007 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 ($64,629/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,805)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Meridian if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,368)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Gulfport grew 15.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 38.7% growth in Meridian over the same period.
Gulfport, MS
$54,720 (2019) → $63,040 (2025)
Meridian, MS
$37,372 (2024) → $51,834 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gulfport, MS
Meridian, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Gulfport or Meridian?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gulfport and Meridian?
Should I relocate from Gulfport to Meridian as a plumber?
What do entry-level plumbers earn in Gulfport vs Meridian?
Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% 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 Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov