Psychologist Pay

Brandon vs Gulfport: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)

Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Brandon, MS and Gulfport, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Brandon, MS
$86,323
$41.51/hr
Gulfport, MS
$90,226
$43.38/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBrandon, MSGulfport, MS
Median Salary$86,323$90,226
Hourly Rate$41.51$43.38
Entry Level (P10)$50,067$52,331
25th Percentile$64,171$64,963
75th Percentile$110,494$115,489
Top Earner (P90)$133,802$139,850
Total Employed614
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Brandon ($86,323) and Gulfport ($90,226) clinical and counseling psychologist salaries.BrandonGulfportMedian Salary$86,323$90,226Entry Level (P10)$50,067$52,331Top Earner (P90)$133,802$139,850US Median $105,689

Verdict

Gulfport, MS offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Brandon.

The salary gap between Brandon and Gulfport is $3,903 (4.52%). Gulfport's median is -14.63% compared to the US national median of $105,689.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brandon spans $83,735,Gulfport spans $87,519. Gulfport has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced clinical and counseling psychologists.

Brandon
P10 (Entry)$50,067
P25$64,171
Median$86,323
P75$110,494
P90 (Top)$133,802
Gulfport
P10 (Entry)$52,331
P25$64,963
Median$90,226
P75$115,489
P90 (Top)$139,850

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Gulfport ($105,281 effective) pays 4.52% more than Brandon ($100,727 effective).

Brandon
Nominal: $86,323
CoL Index: 85.7
Adjusted: $100,727
Gulfport
Nominal: $90,226
CoL Index: 85.7
Adjusted: $105,281

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Brandon if…

  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Choose Gulfport if…

  • Higher median salary ($90,226/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($139,850)
  • Larger job market (14 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,281)
  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Brandon grew 16.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.8% growth in Gulfport over the same period.

Brandon, MS

+16.8%

$70,356 (2024) → $82,150 (2025)

Gulfport, MS

+16.8%

$73,537 (2024) → $85,864 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Brandon or Gulfport?

Gulfport has a higher median clinical and counseling psychologist salary at $90,226/year, compared to Brandon at $86,323/year — a difference of $3,903 (4.52%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Brandon and Gulfport?

Brandon clinical and counseling psychologists earn $41.51/hr while Gulfport hygienists earn $43.38/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Brandon to Gulfport as a clinical and counseling psychologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Brandon and Gulfport. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Brandon = $100,727, Gulfport = $105,281), job availability (6 vs 14 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Brandon vs Gulfport?

Entry-level (10th percentile) clinical and counseling psychologists earn $50,067 in Brandon and $52,331 in Gulfport. The Gulfport area offers higher starting salaries.
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, PhD, LPC

Career Analyst

Maria has 10 years of experience in clinical psychology. She specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy. Maria works at a mental health clinic in Chicago.

Clinically reviewed by James Wu, PsyD, LCSWData verified by Fatima Khan, PhD, LCPC

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.08% 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 Maria Gonzalez, PhD, LPC, a licensed clinical and counseling psychologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov