Vet Tech salary

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

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

Gulfport, MS
$38,634
$18.58/hr
Jackson, MS
$38,697
$18.60/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGulfport, MSJackson, MS
Median Salary$38,634$38,697
Hourly Rate$18.58$18.60
Entry Level (P10)$29,762$32,125
25th Percentile$35,459$33,317
75th Percentile$39,204$42,400
Top Earner (P90)$46,209$51,220
Total Employed70150
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Gulfport ($38,634) and Jackson ($38,697) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.GulfportJacksonMedian Salary$38,634$38,697Entry Level (P10)$29,762$32,125Top Earner (P90)$46,209$51,220US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Gulfport and Jackson is $63 (0.16%). Jackson's median is -22.58% 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,Jackson spans $19,095. Jackson has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Gulfport
P10 (Entry)$29,762
P25$35,459
Median$38,634
P75$39,204
P90 (Top)$46,209
Jackson
P10 (Entry)$32,125
P25$33,317
Median$38,697
P75$42,400
P90 (Top)$51,220

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Jackson ($43,456 effective) pays 1.24% more than Gulfport ($42,924 effective).

Gulfport
Nominal: $38,634
CoL Index: 90.006
Adjusted: $42,924
Jackson
Nominal: $38,697
CoL Index: 89.048
Adjusted: $43,456

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Gulfport if…

  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Choose Jackson if…

  • Higher median salary ($38,697/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($51,220)
  • Larger job market (150 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,456)
  • 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 -4.3% growth in Jackson over the same period.

Gulfport, MS

+35.6%

$27,000 (2019) → $36,620 (2025)

Jackson, MS

+-4.3%

$38,340 (2019) → $36,680 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Jackson has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $38,697/year, compared to Gulfport at $38,634/year — a difference of $63 (0.16%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Gulfport and Jackson?

Gulfport veterinary technologist and technicians earn $18.58/hr while Jackson hygienists earn $18.60/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Gulfport and Jackson. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Gulfport = $42,924, Jackson = $43,456), job availability (70 vs 150 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $29,762 in Gulfport and $32,125 in Jackson. The Jackson 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