Gulfport vs Starkville: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Gulfport, MS and Starkville, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gulfport, MS | Starkville, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,986▲ | $40,202 |
| Hourly Rate | $20.18▲ | $19.33 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,927▲ | $31,249 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,171▲ | $34,925 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,852▲ | $42,715 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $57,792▲ | $50,690 |
| Total Employed | 540▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Gulfport, MS offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Starkville.
The salary gap between Gulfport and Starkville is $1,784 (4.44%). Gulfport's median is -12.96% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gulfport spans $19,865,Starkville spans $19,441. 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, Starkville ($46,910 effective) pays 0.56% more than Gulfport ($46,648 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 ($41,986/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($57,792)
- ✓Larger job market (540 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Starkville if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,910)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Gulfport grew 20.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 43.0% growth in Starkville over the same period.
Gulfport, MS
$33,150 (2019) → $39,820 (2025)
Starkville, MS
$26,668 (2024) → $38,128 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gulfport, MS
Starkville, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Emily Tran, PharmD
Career Analyst
Emily Tran has over 8 years of experience as a pharmacy technician. She specializes in medication therapy management. Her experience includes working in community pharmacies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.44% 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 Emily Tran, PharmD, a licensed pharmacy technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov