Gulfport vs Meridian: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder 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 | $65,971▲ | $45,411 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.72▲ | $21.83 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,515▲ | $34,475 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,139▲ | $40,047 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,971▲ | $52,161 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,971▲ | $62,603 |
| Total Employed | 2,220▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Gulfport, MS offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Meridian.
The salary gap between Gulfport and Meridian is $20,560 (45.28%). Gulfport's median is +18.03% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gulfport spans $25,456,Meridian spans $28,128. Meridian has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced welders.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Gulfport ($73,296 effective) pays 38.33% more than Meridian ($52,988 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 ($65,971/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($65,971)
- ✓Larger job market (2,220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,296)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Meridian if…
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Gulfport grew 13.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.2% growth in Meridian over the same period.
Gulfport, MS
$56,130 (2019) → $63,440 (2025)
Meridian, MS
$35,747 (2024) → $43,669 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gulfport, MS
Meridian, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Gulfport or Meridian?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gulfport and Meridian?
Should I relocate from Gulfport to Meridian as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Gulfport vs Meridian?
Written by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder
Career Analyst
James has over 10 years of experience in welding. He specializes in MIG and TIG welding. He has worked in various manufacturing settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% 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 James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov