Columbus vs Gulfport: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Columbus, MS and Gulfport, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, MS | Gulfport, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,760 | $111,507▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.45 | $53.61▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,187 | $80,951▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,644 | $83,542▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $122,331 | $135,253▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $141,046 | $145,918▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 270▲ |
Verdict
Gulfport, MS offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Columbus and Gulfport is $10,747 (10.67%). Gulfport's median is -10.82% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $76,859,Gulfport spans $64,967. Columbus 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 ($123,888 effective) pays 5.37% more than Columbus ($117,573 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Gulfport if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($111,507/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($145,918)
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $123,888)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Columbus grew 31.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.9% growth in Gulfport over the same period.
Columbus, MS
$74,140 (2024) → $97,212 (2025)
Gulfport, MS
$100,610 (2019) → $107,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, MS
Gulfport, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Columbus or Gulfport?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Gulfport?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Gulfport as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Columbus vs Gulfport?
Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% 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, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov