Gulfport vs Pearl: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer 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 | $106,471▲ | $90,958 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.19▲ | $43.73 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,229▲ | $66,024 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,619▲ | $73,765 |
| 75th Percentile | $133,672▲ | $112,820 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $140,990▲ | $136,540 |
| Total Employed | 410▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Gulfport, MS offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pearl.
The salary gap between Gulfport and Pearl is $15,513 (17.06%). Gulfport's median is -0.63% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gulfport spans $74,761,Pearl spans $70,516. 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, Gulfport ($118,293 effective) pays 11.46% more than Pearl ($106,135 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 ($106,471/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,990)
- ✓Larger job market (410 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $118,293)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Pearl if…
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Gulfport grew 7.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.5% growth in Pearl over the same period.
Gulfport, MS
$95,990 (2019) → $103,450 (2025)
Pearl, MS
$72,155 (2024) → $88,377 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gulfport, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% 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 Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov