Gulfport vs Olive Branch: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Gulfport, MS and Olive Branch, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gulfport, MS | Olive Branch, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $55,725 | $59,076▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.79 | $28.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,072 | $37,918▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $41,875 | $45,161▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,498 | $75,617▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,466▲ | $90,672 |
| Total Employed | 400▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Gulfport and Olive Branch are closely matched on overall medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Gulfport and Olive Branch is $3,351 (6.01%). Olive Branch's median is -14.05% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gulfport spans $59,394,Olive Branch spans $52,754. 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, Olive Branch ($68,933 effective) pays 11.34% more than Gulfport ($61,913 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gulfport if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,466)
- ✓Larger job market (400 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Olive Branch if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,076/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,933)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Gulfport grew 17.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.9% growth in Olive Branch over the same period.
Gulfport, MS
$46,020 (2019) → $54,081 (2025)
Olive Branch, MS
$43,785 (2024) → $57,333 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gulfport, MS
Olive Branch, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Gulfport or Olive Branch?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gulfport and Olive Branch?
Should I relocate from Gulfport to Olive Branch as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Gulfport vs Olive Branch?
Written by Alexandra Choi, MS, MT(ASCP)
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in clinical laboratory science. She specializes in molecular diagnostics. She works at a large metropolitan hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.04% 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 Alexandra Choi, MS, MT(ASCP), a licensed medical and clinical laboratory technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov