Clinton vs Gulfport: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Clinton, MS and Gulfport, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Clinton, MS | Gulfport, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,692▲ | $52,826 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.81▲ | $25.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,082 | $44,310▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,791 | $52,226▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $63,912▲ | $59,878 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $74,818▲ | $63,124 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 80▲ |
Verdict
Clinton, MS offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Gulfport.
The salary gap between Clinton and Gulfport is $866 (1.64%). Clinton's median is -21.20% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Clinton spans $33,736,Gulfport spans $18,814. Clinton 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, Clinton ($62,651 effective) pays 6.75% more than Gulfport ($58,692 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Clinton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,692/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($74,818)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,651)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Gulfport if…
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Clinton grew 46.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.9% growth in Gulfport over the same period.
Clinton, MS
$34,670 (2024) → $50,941 (2025)
Gulfport, MS
$43,240 (2019) → $50,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Clinton, MS
Gulfport, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Clinton or Gulfport?
What is the hourly rate difference between Clinton and Gulfport?
Should I relocate from Clinton to Gulfport as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Clinton vs Gulfport?
Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% 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 Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov