Vet Tech salary

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

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

Gulfport, MS
$38,634
$18.58/hr
Hattiesburg, MS
$36,967
$17.77/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGulfport, MSHattiesburg, MS
Median Salary$38,634$36,967
Hourly Rate$18.58$17.77
Entry Level (P10)$29,762$31,639
25th Percentile$35,459$32,937
75th Percentile$39,204$39,731
Top Earner (P90)$46,209$41,240
Total Employed7050
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Gulfport ($38,634) and Hattiesburg ($36,967) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.GulfportHattiesburgMedian Salary$38,634$36,967Entry Level (P10)$29,762$31,639Top Earner (P90)$46,209$41,240US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Gulfport and Hattiesburg is $1,667 (4.51%). Gulfport's median is -22.71% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gulfport spans $16,447,Hattiesburg spans $9,601. Gulfport has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Gulfport
P10 (Entry)$29,762
P25$35,459
Median$38,634
P75$39,204
P90 (Top)$46,209
Hattiesburg
P10 (Entry)$31,639
P25$32,937
Median$36,967
P75$39,731
P90 (Top)$41,240

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Gulfport ($42,924 effective) pays 1.75% more than Hattiesburg ($42,184 effective).

Gulfport
Nominal: $38,634
CoL Index: 90.006
Adjusted: $42,924
Hattiesburg
Nominal: $36,967
CoL Index: 87.633
Adjusted: $42,184

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 ($38,634/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($46,209)
  • Larger job market (70 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $42,924)
  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Choose Hattiesburg if…

  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Gulfport grew 35.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -35.7% growth in Hattiesburg over the same period.

Gulfport, MS

+35.6%

$27,000 (2019) → $36,620 (2025)

Hattiesburg, MS

+-35.7%

$54,530 (2019) → $35,040 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Gulfport has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $38,634/year, compared to Hattiesburg at $36,967/year — a difference of $1,667 (4.51%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Gulfport and Hattiesburg?

Gulfport veterinary technologist and technicians earn $18.58/hr while Hattiesburg hygienists earn $17.77/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Gulfport and Hattiesburg. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Gulfport = $42,924, Hattiesburg = $42,184), job availability (70 vs 50 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $29,762 in Gulfport and $31,639 in Hattiesburg. The Hattiesburg 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