Gulfport vs Meridian: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Gulfport, MS and Meridian, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gulfport, MS | Meridian, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,837▲ | $60,390 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.22▲ | $29.03 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,352▲ | $44,733 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,681▲ | $52,214 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,673▲ | $64,763 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,538▲ | $71,498 |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Gulfport, MS offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Meridian.
The salary gap between Gulfport and Meridian is $2,447 (4.05%). Gulfport's median is -15.46% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gulfport spans $37,186,Meridian spans $26,765. 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, Meridian ($70,467 effective) pays 0.93% more than Gulfport ($69,814 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 ($62,837/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,538)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Meridian if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,467)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Gulfport grew 0.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 16.6% growth in Meridian over the same period.
Gulfport, MS
$60,800 (2021) → $61,120 (2025)
Meridian, MS
$50,371 (2024) → $58,739 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gulfport, MS
Meridian, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Gulfport or Meridian?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gulfport and Meridian?
Should I relocate from Gulfport to Meridian as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Gulfport vs Meridian?
Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% 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 Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov