Vet Tech salary

Gulfport vs Olive Branch: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Gulfport, MS
$38,634
$18.58/hr
Olive Branch, MS
$40,531
$19.49/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGulfport, MSOlive Branch, MS
Median Salary$38,634$40,531
Hourly Rate$18.58$19.49
Entry Level (P10)$29,762$31,672
25th Percentile$35,459$33,621
75th Percentile$39,204$49,083
Top Earner (P90)$46,209$51,542
Total Employed707
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Gulfport ($38,634) and Olive Branch ($40,531) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.GulfportOlive BranchMedian Salary$38,634$40,531Entry Level (P10)$29,762$31,672Top Earner (P90)$46,209$51,542US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Gulfport and Olive Branch is $1,897 (4.91%). Olive Branch's median is -18.92% 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,Olive Branch spans $19,870. Olive Branch 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
Olive Branch
P10 (Entry)$31,672
P25$33,621
Median$40,531
P75$49,083
P90 (Top)$51,542

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Olive Branch ($47,294 effective) pays 10.18% more than Gulfport ($42,924 effective).

Gulfport
Nominal: $38,634
CoL Index: 90.006
Adjusted: $42,924
Olive Branch
Nominal: $40,531
CoL Index: 85.7
Adjusted: $47,294

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Gulfport if…

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

Choose Olive Branch if…

  • Higher median salary ($40,531/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($51,542)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,294)
  • 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 57.9% growth in Olive Branch over the same period.

Gulfport, MS

+35.6%

$27,000 (2019) → $36,620 (2025)

Olive Branch, MS

+57.9%

$24,325 (2024) → $38,418 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Olive Branch has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $40,531/year, compared to Gulfport at $38,634/year — a difference of $1,897 (4.91%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Gulfport and Olive Branch?

Gulfport veterinary technologist and technicians earn $18.58/hr while Olive Branch hygienists earn $19.49/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Gulfport and Olive Branch. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Gulfport = $42,924, Olive Branch = $47,294), job availability (70 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $29,762 in Gulfport and $31,672 in Olive Branch. The Olive Branch 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