Gulfport vs Southaven: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Gulfport, MS and Southaven, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gulfport, MS | Southaven, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,309 | $140,934▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.90 | $67.75▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,660 | $81,741▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,197 | $101,472▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $136,361 | $180,395▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $194,711 | $218,447▲ |
| Total Employed | 380▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Southaven, MS offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Gulfport.
The salary gap between Gulfport and Southaven is $49,625 (54.35%). Southaven's median is -15.70% 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,Southaven spans $136,706. 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, Southaven ($164,450 effective) pays 62.10% 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 Southaven if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,934/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($218,447)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $164,450)
- ✓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 Southaven over the same period.
Gulfport, MS
$91,410 (2021) → $87,210 (2025)
Southaven, MS
$88,519 (2024) → $134,607 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gulfport, MS
Southaven, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Gulfport or Southaven?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gulfport and Southaven?
Should I relocate from Gulfport to Southaven as a lawyer?
What do entry-level lawyers earn in Gulfport vs Southaven?
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