Optometrist Salary

Biloxi vs Gulfport: Optometrist Salary (2026)

Compare optometrist salaries between Biloxi, MS and Gulfport, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Biloxi, MS
$118,268
$56.86/hr
Gulfport, MS
$120,039
$57.71/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBiloxi, MSGulfport, MS
Median Salary$118,268$120,039
Hourly Rate$56.86$57.71
Entry Level (P10)$68,595$69,623
25th Percentile$93,720$92,879
75th Percentile$140,423$143,906
Top Earner (P90)$168,319$182,403
Total Employed814
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Biloxi ($118,268) and Gulfport ($120,039) optometrist salaries.BiloxiGulfportMedian Salary$118,268$120,039Entry Level (P10)$68,595$69,623Top Earner (P90)$168,319$182,403US Median $140,612

Verdict

Gulfport, MS offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Biloxi.

The salary gap between Biloxi and Gulfport is $1,771 (1.50%). Gulfport's median is -14.63% compared to the US national median of $140,612.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Biloxi spans $99,724,Gulfport spans $112,780. Gulfport has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced optometrists.

Biloxi
P10 (Entry)$68,595
P25$93,720
Median$118,268
P75$140,423
P90 (Top)$168,319
Gulfport
P10 (Entry)$69,623
P25$92,879
Median$120,039
P75$143,906
P90 (Top)$182,403

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Gulfport ($140,069 effective) pays 1.50% more than Biloxi ($138,002 effective).

Biloxi
Nominal: $118,268
CoL Index: 85.7
Adjusted: $138,002
Gulfport
Nominal: $120,039
CoL Index: 85.7
Adjusted: $140,069

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Biloxi if…

  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Choose Gulfport if…

  • Higher median salary ($120,039/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($182,403)
  • Larger job market (14 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,069)
  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Biloxi grew 21.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.9% growth in Gulfport over the same period.

Biloxi, MS

+21.9%

$94,203 (2024) → $114,868 (2025)

Gulfport, MS

+21.9%

$95,613 (2024) → $116,588 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays optometrists more: Biloxi or Gulfport?

Gulfport has a higher median optometrist salary at $120,039/year, compared to Biloxi at $118,268/year — a difference of $1,771 (1.50%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Biloxi and Gulfport?

Biloxi optometrists earn $56.86/hr while Gulfport hygienists earn $57.71/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Biloxi to Gulfport as a optometrist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Biloxi and Gulfport. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Biloxi = $138,002, Gulfport = $140,069), job availability (8 vs 14 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level optometrists earn in Biloxi vs Gulfport?

Entry-level (10th percentile) optometrists earn $68,595 in Biloxi and $69,623 in Gulfport. The Gulfport area offers higher starting salaries.
AP

Written by Aisha Patel, OD

Career Analyst

Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.

Clinically reviewed by Rajiv Kumar, ODData verified by Sofia Martinez, OD

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.96% 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, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov