Personal Care & Fitness Gulfport, MS Pop. 72,926

Cosmetologist Salary in Gulfport, Mississippi

The median cosmetologist salary in Gulfport, MS is $28,766 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 1.2% below the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$28,766
vs State Avg
$-350
vs National
$-6,314
Cost of Living
82%

Cosmetologist Pay in Gulfport: What to Expect (2026)

Gulfport offers a median cosmetologist salary of $28,766, which is $350 below the Mississippi state average of $29,116. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Gulfport pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Gulfport's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $28,766 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $35,080 in an average-cost city. This makes Gulfport an attractive option for cosmetologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Gulfport spans from $18,040 at the 10th percentile to $47,560 at the 90th percentile — a $29,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $19,680, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $45,100. Gulfport is a smaller market (pop. 72,926), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Cosmetologist Salary in Gulfport by Experience

In Gulfport, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $19,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $45,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$19,680
$-4,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$29,520
$-6,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$45,100
$-9,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Gulfport, MS

Percentile Gulfport
10th Percentile $18,040
25th Percentile $22,140
Median (50th) $28,766
75th Percentile $37,720
90th Percentile $47,560

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Mississippi Cities

Jackson, MS
$29,818
Pop. 153,701
Southaven, MS
$29,467
Pop. 55,026
Biloxi, MS
$29,116
Pop. 46,212
Hattiesburg, MS
$28,064
Pop. 48,728

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Gulfport

Education

Most cosmetologist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Gulfport and the surrounding Mississippi area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Hair StylingColor TheorySkincareMakeup ApplicationClient RelationsSanitation

Job Outlook

Nationally, cosmetologist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Gulfport may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Gulfport

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Gulfport, MS:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Gulfport

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Gulfport, MS? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Gulfport, Mississippi is $28,766 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $18,040 (10th percentile) to $47,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Gulfport? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $28,766, a cosmetologist in Gulfport earns approximately $14 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Gulfport compare to the Mississippi state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Gulfport's median cosmetologist salary of $28,766 is 1.2% below the Mississippi state average of $29,116. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Gulfport, MS? ▼
Gulfport has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $28,766 in Gulfport has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Gulfport? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Gulfport require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Hair Styling, Color Theory, Skincare, Makeup Application. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.