Gulfport vs Laurel: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Gulfport, MS and Laurel, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gulfport, MS | Laurel, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,114▲ | $62,916 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.23▲ | $30.25 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,802▲ | $44,201 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,545▲ | $53,962 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,837▲ | $71,492 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,991▲ | $79,811 |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Gulfport, MS offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Laurel.
The salary gap between Gulfport and Laurel is $6,198 (9.85%). Gulfport's median is -12.93% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gulfport spans $48,189,Laurel spans $35,610. 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 ($76,788 effective) pays 4.60% more than Laurel ($73,414 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 ($69,114/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,991)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,788)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Laurel if…
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Gulfport grew 15.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 41.5% growth in Laurel over the same period.
Gulfport, MS
$57,680 (2019) → $66,520 (2025)
Laurel, MS
$42,800 (2024) → $60,554 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gulfport, MS
Laurel, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Gulfport or Laurel?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MS, RD
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a nutrition consultant. She specializes in sports nutrition. Aisha works with professional athletes and teams.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.90% 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, MS, RD, a licensed dietitian and nutritionist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov