Gulfport vs Hattiesburg: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal salaries between Gulfport, MS and Hattiesburg, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gulfport, MS | Hattiesburg, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,863▲ | $46,631 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.01▲ | $22.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,102▲ | $31,384 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,547▲ | $38,050 |
| 75th Percentile | $56,661▲ | $51,279 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $67,457 | $73,782▲ |
| Total Employed | 290▲ | 100 |
Verdict
Gulfport, MS offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hattiesburg.
The salary gap between Gulfport and Hattiesburg is $1,232 (2.64%). Gulfport's median is -26.47% compared to the US national median of $65,097.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gulfport spans $29,355,Hattiesburg spans $42,398. Hattiesburg has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced paralegals.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Hattiesburg ($53,212 effective) pays 0.06% more than Gulfport ($53,178 effective).
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 ($47,863/year)
- ✓Larger job market (290 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Hattiesburg if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($73,782)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,212)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Gulfport grew -16.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.3% growth in Hattiesburg over the same period.
Gulfport, MS
$55,370 (2019) → $46,240 (2025)
Hattiesburg, MS
$42,400 (2019) → $45,050 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gulfport, MS
Hattiesburg, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays paralegals more: Gulfport or Hattiesburg?
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Written by Jessica Tran, JD
Career Analyst
Jessica Tran has 10 years of experience in paralegal studies. She specializes in corporate law and works with a law firm. She trains new paralegals in legal research and documentation.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.51% 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 Jessica Tran, JD, a licensed paralegal with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov