Vet Tech salary

Brandon vs Gulfport: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Brandon, MS and Gulfport, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Brandon, MS
$40,826
$19.62/hr
Gulfport, MS
$38,634
$18.58/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBrandon, MSGulfport, MS
Median Salary$40,826$38,634
Hourly Rate$19.62$18.58
Entry Level (P10)$32,210$29,762
25th Percentile$34,220$35,459
75th Percentile$49,784$39,204
Top Earner (P90)$53,926$46,209
Total Employed670
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Brandon ($40,826) and Gulfport ($38,634) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.BrandonGulfportMedian Salary$40,826$38,634Entry Level (P10)$32,210$29,762Top Earner (P90)$53,926$46,209US Median $49,986

Verdict

Brandon, MS offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Gulfport.

The salary gap between Brandon and Gulfport is $2,192 (5.67%). Brandon's median is -18.33% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brandon spans $21,716,Gulfport spans $16,447. Brandon has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Brandon
P10 (Entry)$32,210
P25$34,220
Median$40,826
P75$49,784
P90 (Top)$53,926
Gulfport
P10 (Entry)$29,762
P25$35,459
Median$38,634
P75$39,204
P90 (Top)$46,209

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Brandon ($47,638 effective) pays 10.98% more than Gulfport ($42,924 effective).

Brandon
Nominal: $40,826
CoL Index: 85.7
Adjusted: $47,638
Gulfport
Nominal: $38,634
CoL Index: 90.006
Adjusted: $42,924

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Brandon if…

  • Higher median salary ($40,826/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($53,926)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,638)
  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Choose Gulfport if…

  • Larger job market (70 employed)
  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Brandon grew 57.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 35.6% growth in Gulfport over the same period.

Brandon, MS

+57.9%

$24,503 (2024) → $38,698 (2025)

Gulfport, MS

+35.6%

$27,000 (2019) → $36,620 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Brandon or Gulfport?

Brandon has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $40,826/year, compared to Gulfport at $38,634/year — a difference of $2,192 (5.67%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Brandon and Gulfport?

Brandon veterinary technologist and technicians earn $19.62/hr while Gulfport hygienists earn $18.58/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Brandon to Gulfport as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Brandon and Gulfport. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Brandon = $47,638, Gulfport = $42,924), job availability (6 vs 70 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Brandon vs Gulfport?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $32,210 in Brandon and $29,762 in Gulfport. The Brandon area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

Written by Jordan Lee, CVT

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in veterinary technology. They specialize in emergency care. Jordan has worked in both clinic and hospital settings.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.50% 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 Lee, CVT, a licensed veterinary technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov