Gulfport vs Starkville: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Gulfport, MS and Starkville, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gulfport, MS | Starkville, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,461▲ | $99,108 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.18▲ | $47.65 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,030▲ | $58,516 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,991▲ | $80,337 |
| 75th Percentile | $139,131▲ | $126,859 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,164▲ | $153,618 |
| Total Employed | 280▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Gulfport, MS offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Starkville.
The salary gap between Gulfport and Starkville is $7,353 (7.42%). Gulfport's median is -10.48% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gulfport spans $104,134,Starkville spans $95,102. 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 ($118,282 effective) pays 2.28% more than Starkville ($115,645 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 ($106,461/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($169,164)
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $118,282)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Starkville if…
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Gulfport grew 13.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.9% growth in Starkville over the same period.
Gulfport, MS
$91,120 (2019) → $102,940 (2025)
Starkville, MS
$70,004 (2024) → $95,831 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gulfport, MS
Starkville, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Gulfport or Starkville?
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Written by Michael Johnson, MS, CCM
Career Analyst
Michael has 10 years of experience in construction management. He specializes in project scheduling and cost control. He works with a mid-sized general contracting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.42% 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 Michael Johnson, MS, CCM, a licensed construction manager with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov