Gulfport vs Meridian: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer 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 | $91,309 | $135,819▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.90 | $65.30▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,660 | $78,775▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,197 | $97,790▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $136,361 | $173,848▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $194,711 | $210,519▲ |
| Total Employed | 380▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Meridian, MS offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Gulfport.
The salary gap between Gulfport and Meridian is $44,510 (48.75%). Meridian's median is -18.76% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gulfport spans $155,051,Meridian spans $131,744. Gulfport has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Meridian ($158,482 effective) pays 56.22% more than Gulfport ($101,448 effective).
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 (380 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Meridian if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,819/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($210,519)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $158,482)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Gulfport grew -4.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 52.1% growth in Meridian over the same period.
Gulfport, MS
$91,410 (2021) → $87,210 (2025)
Meridian, MS
$85,306 (2024) → $129,722 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gulfport, MS
Meridian, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov