Gulfport vs Horn Lake: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Gulfport, MS and Horn Lake, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gulfport, MS | Horn Lake, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,826 | $57,209▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.40 | $27.51▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,310▲ | $40,645 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,226▲ | $47,825 |
| 75th Percentile | $59,878 | $67,992▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,124 | $85,655▲ |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Horn Lake, MS offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Gulfport.
The salary gap between Gulfport and Horn Lake is $4,383 (8.30%). Horn Lake's median is -16.04% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gulfport spans $18,814,Horn Lake spans $45,010. Horn Lake has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Horn Lake ($66,755 effective) pays 13.74% 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 Gulfport if…
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Horn Lake if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,209/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,655)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,755)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Gulfport grew 15.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 46.9% growth in Horn Lake over the same period.
Gulfport, MS
$43,240 (2019) → $50,120 (2025)
Horn Lake, MS
$36,941 (2024) → $54,278 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gulfport, MS
Horn Lake, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Gulfport or Horn Lake?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gulfport and Horn Lake?
Should I relocate from Gulfport to Horn Lake as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Gulfport vs Horn Lake?
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