Gulfport vs Pearl: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Gulfport, MS and Pearl, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gulfport, MS | Pearl, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,619 | $39,947▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.05 | $19.21▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,344 | $31,335▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $31,492 | $34,242▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $39,841 | $43,767▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $47,471 | $53,259▲ |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Pearl, MS offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Gulfport.
The salary gap between Gulfport and Pearl is $328 (0.83%). Pearl's median is -15.11% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gulfport spans $18,127,Pearl spans $21,924. Pearl has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced emergency medical technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Pearl ($46,613 effective) pays 5.89% more than Gulfport ($44,018 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 (120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Pearl if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($39,947/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($53,259)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,613)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Gulfport grew 28.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 58.8% growth in Pearl over the same period.
Gulfport, MS
$29,110 (2021) → $37,440 (2025)
Pearl, MS
$23,769 (2024) → $37,750 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gulfport, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Gulfport or Pearl?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gulfport and Pearl?
Should I relocate from Gulfport to Pearl as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Gulfport vs Pearl?
Written by Aisha Patel, EMT-P
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as an emergency medical technician. She specializes in pre-hospital care and triage. Aisha works primarily in urban emergency services.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.82% 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 Aisha Patel, EMT-P, a licensed emergency medical technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov