Accountant in Biloxi, MS

As a career analyst who’s spent years watching the Gulf Coast’s economy shift, let’s get one thing straight: Biloxi isn’t the place you move for a high-flying, Wall Street-style accounting career. It’s the place you move for a balanced life, where your paycheck stretches further, and the commute rarely involves a traffic jam. For an accountant, it’s a market defined by stability, a handful of major employers, and a cost of living that’s genuinely affordable. This guide is your blueprint for what it’s really like to build a career here, grounded in hard data and local realities.

The Salary Picture: Where Biloxi Stands

First, the numbers. The accounting profession in Biloxi pays a respectable wage, but it’s important to understand the local context. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the median salary for an accountant in Biloxi is $83,316 per year, which breaks down to approximately $40.06 per hour. This is slightly below the national average of $86,080, a common pattern for regional markets in the South. However, when you factor in Biloxi’s cost of living, this salary provides a comfortable standard of living.

The job market itself is tight but stable. The metro area has approximately 98 accountant positions listed at any given time, with a 10-year job growth projection of 4%. This isn’t explosive growth, but it indicates a steady demand for financial professionals in sectors like gaming, healthcare, and government.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s an estimated breakdown of salaries by experience level. These are informed estimates based on local job postings and BLS data for the region.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$55,000 - $68,000	Bookkeeping, AP/AR, assisting with month-end close, basic tax prep.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$68,000 - $85,000	Full-cycle accounting, financial reporting, supervising junior staff, internal controls.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$85,000 - $105,000+	Financial analysis, budgeting, complex tax strategy, management of accounting teams.
Expert/Controller (15+ years)	$105,000 - $130,000+	CFO-level reporting, strategic financial planning, audit liaison, department leadership.

Insider Tip: The gaming and hospitality sector pays a premium for accountants with experience in regulatory compliance and internal audits. If you have that background, you can aim for the higher end of the salary bands above.

Comparison to Other MS Cities

How does Biloxi stack up against other Mississippi markets? The Gulf Coast has a unique economy driven by tourism and gaming, which sets it apart from the state’s other major hubs.

City	Median Salary (Est.)	Cost of Living Index	Primary Industries
Biloxi	$83,316	89.3	Gaming, Tourism, Healthcare, Military
Jackson	$80,500	85.1	Government, Healthcare, Insurance
Gulfport	$82,100	88.5	Port Logistics, Tourism, Healthcare
Hattiesburg	$78,200	82.0	Education, Healthcare, Manufacturing

Biloxi and Gulfport are nearly identical in pay and cost of living, forming a single labor market. Jackson offers slightly lower pay but also a lower cost of living, though it lacks the coastal lifestyle. Hattiesburg is the most affordable but has the lowest salaries. For an accountant, Biloxi offers a strong balance of pay and lifestyle.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s translate that $83,316 median salary into a practical monthly budget. This is where Biloxi’s affordability shines.

First, let’s estimate take-home pay after taxes. Assuming you’re single, filing as a single filer, and taking the standard deduction, your estimated monthly take-home pay after federal, state (MS has a flat 5% income tax), and FICA taxes would be approximately $4,950 per month.

Now, let’s layer in the local cost of living. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Biloxi is $923 per month. The Cost of Living Index is 89.3, meaning Biloxi is about 10.7% more affordable than the U.S. average.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a single accountant earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$4,950	After taxes
Rent (1-BR)	-$923	Average for the area
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	-$180	Gulf Coast electricity bills can be high in summer.
Groceries	-$350
Car Payment & Insurance	-$450	Assumes a modest car loan.
Gas/Transportation	-$120	Short commutes keep this low.
Health Insurance (Employer Share)	-$250	Premium varies by employer.
Discretionary Spending	-$600	Dining out, entertainment, hobbies.
Savings/Retirement	-$1,077	Aggressive 20% savings rate.
Remaining Buffer	-$1,000	For unexpected expenses or travel.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a $1,077 monthly savings rate, you could save for a substantial down payment in 2-3 years. The median home price in Biloxi is around $185,000 (as of recent data). A 20% down payment is $37,000. At the median salary, a mortgage payment on a $148,000 loan (with a 6.5% interest rate) would be roughly $936 per month, which is very manageable. Homeownership is a realistic and common goal for professionals in Biloxi.

Where the Jobs Are: Biloxi's Major Employers

Biloxi’s job market is dominated by a few key sectors. Here are the major local employers where you’re most likely to find an accounting role:

1. Gaming & Hospitality (The Big Players): This is the heart of the local economy.

   • MGM Resorts (Beau Rivage): The largest single-site employer on the Gulf Coast. Their finance department is massive, handling everything from daily casino cage operations to corporate-level financial reporting. They hire for internal audit, cost accounting, and financial analyst roles. Hire often for seasonal fluctuations and growth.
   • Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi: Another major player with a significant finance team. Known for a more international corporate culture, offering potential paths to other Hard Rock locations.
   • IP Casino Resort Spa (now part of the Bally’s umbrella): A key employer with a focus on complex financial operations. They value accountants with experience in high-volume transaction environments.

2. Healthcare:

   • Merit Health Biloxi: A major regional hospital system. Their finance department handles patient billing, grants accounting, and budgeting for a large medical facility. Stable, with good benefits.
   • Keesler Air Force Base: While military, the base is a massive economic engine. It employs civilian accountants in the Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS) for base operations, budgeting, and contract management. These are federal jobs with excellent job security and benefits.

3. Government & Public Sector:

   • City of Biloxi: The municipal government has a robust finance department responsible for managing the city’s budget, tax collection, and public funds. Positions here offer stability and a pension.
   • Harrison County Tax Assessor/Collector: A key public office needing skilled accountants for property tax assessment and collection, a process critical to local government funding.

4. Professional Services:

   • Local CPA Firms: While smaller in scale, firms like Williams & Utley, PLLC or McLain & Associates provide tax, audit, and consulting services to local businesses. These are great starting points for new CPAs or those looking to build a diverse client portfolio.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward specialization. Generalist accountants are needed, but those with skills in regulatory compliance (Sarbanes-Oxley for public companies, gaming regulations), cost accounting for manufacturing (like Ingalls Shipbuilding in nearby Pascagoula), or government accounting will have a distinct advantage. Many roles are filled through internal postings and local networking, so knowing someone at a major casino or hospital can be invaluable.

Getting Licensed in MS

To practice as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Mississippi, you must follow the state-specific requirements set by the Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy.

1. Education: You need a minimum of 150 semester hours of college credit, which typically means a bachelor’s degree and at least 30 additional hours (often a master’s in accounting or a combination of courses). Your degree must be from an accredited institution.
2. Exam: You must pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). You can sit for the exam in Mississippi or any other U.S. jurisdiction. The application fee is $150, and each exam section costs $250 (total exam fees: $1,000).
3. Experience: You need one year (1,800 hours) of qualifying accounting experience under a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, or government.
4. Application & Ethics: After passing the exam and meeting experience requirements, you submit an application to the board (fee: $150). You must also pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam (fee: $150-$200).

Total Estimated Cost (excluding education): $1,550 - $1,600.
Timeline to Get Started: From starting your application to being fully licensed, the process typically takes 12-18 months, assuming you pass all exams on the first try.

Insider Tip: The Mississippi Society of CPAs (MSCPA) is an excellent resource for networking and finding local CPA mentors who can guide you through the experience requirement.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Your choice of neighborhood will shape your daily life and commute. Here’s a breakdown of popular areas, considering commute times and lifestyle.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Lifestyle	Avg. 1-BR Rent	Commute to Major Employers
East Biloxi / Point Cadet	The historic heart of Biloxi, with charming post-war homes and walkability to the beach. Close to the casino corridor.	$850 - $1,100	5-10 min to MGM, Hard Rock. 15 min to Merit Health.
North Biloxi / I-10 Corridor	More suburban, with newer apartment complexes and single-family homes. Close to shopping (Edgewater Mall).	$950 - $1,200	10-15 min to most employers. Easy highway access.
D’Iberville	A separate town just north of Biloxi, with newer developments, chain restaurants, and a quieter feel.	$900 - $1,150	15-20 min commute. Popular with young professionals.
Ocean Springs	Artsy, upscale suburb east of Biloxi. Known for its boutique feel, great dining, and strong community.	$1,000 - $1,300	20-25 min commute through scenic Hwy 90.
Gulfport (West End)	The next major city west. The west end has historic homes and a small-town vibe, closer to the Port.	$850 - $1,050	20-30 min to Biloxi employers.

Insider Tip: If your job is at a casino (Beau Rivage, Hard Rock), living in East Biloxi or Point Cadet is unbeatable for a <10-minute commute. For a more family-oriented, suburban life, North Biloxi and D’Iberville are top choices.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Biloxi, career growth is less about rapid advancement and more about deepening your expertise and moving into management or specialized roles.

Specialty Premiums:

• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA): High demand in the gaming and healthcare sectors. Can add a 10-15% salary premium.
• Certified Management Accountant (CMA): Valued in manufacturing and corporate finance roles (e.g., at Ingalls Shipbuilding).
• Forensic Accounting: Niche field, but opportunities exist with the Mississippi State Auditor’s office or in insurance firms post-hurricane recovery work.

Advancement Paths:

1. Public Accounting to Industry: Many start at a local CPA firm, then move to a senior role at a casino or hospital for better work-life balance and higher pay.
2. Staff Accountant to Accounting Manager: This is the most common path. It requires strong technical skills and the ability to manage people and processes.
3. Specialist to Controller: For those who develop deep expertise in a sector like gaming compliance or hospital finance, the Controller role is the pinnacle before CFO.

10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth is steady, not explosive. The biggest growth will likely come from:

• Retirements: An aging workforce in the public sector and established companies.
• Economic Diversification: Any new industrial or tech investment in the region will create new accounting roles.
• Increased Regulation: As industries like gaming and healthcare face more scrutiny, compliance and internal audit roles will expand.

The Verdict: Is Biloxi Right for You?

Biloxi offers a compelling package for the right accountant, but it’s not for everyone. Here’s a clear-eyed assessment.

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your $83,316 salary goes much further than on the coasts or in major cities.	Limited Job Market: Only 98 jobs available means less frequent openings and more competition for top roles.
Stable, Major Employers: Casinos, hospitals, and the military base provide economic stability.	Slower Pace: Career advancement can be more gradual; fewer "big leap" opportunities.
Unbeatable Lifestyle: Beach, fresh seafood, mild winters, and minimal traffic.	Hurricane Risk: A real and recurring concern that impacts insurance and property choices.
Short Commutes: Average commute is under 20 minutes.	Limited Networking Pool: Smaller professional community compared to larger metros.
Growing Tech Scene: A small but growing tech sector (e.g., the Forge) adds diversity.	Dependence on Tourism/Gaming: The economy can be sensitive to tourism downturns.

Final Recommendation:
Biloxi is an ideal choice for an accountant who prioritizes quality of life, stability, and affordability over high-stress, high-growth career paths. It’s perfect for a mid-career professional looking to buy a home, enjoy a coastal lifestyle, and work for a major employer with strong benefits. It’s also a great place for a new CPA to get solid experience in a specialized industry before potentially moving on. If you’re driven by ambition to be at the forefront of finance in a hyper-competitive market, you might find Biloxi too limiting. But if you want to build a respected, well-compensated career while living where others vacation, Biloxi is a smart, data-backed move.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a CPA license to get a good accounting job in Biloxi?
A: Not necessarily. Many well-paying roles, especially in corporate accounting at casinos or hospitals, are available to non-CPAs with a bachelor’s degree and experience. However, obtaining your CPA is the single best way to increase your earning potential, unlock management positions, and ensure long-term job security, especially in public accounting or senior corporate roles.

Q: How does the hurricane season affect the accounting profession here?
A: It creates a unique professional need. After a major storm, there’s a surge in work for accountants in insurance claims auditing, federal disaster relief fund management, and business interruption cost analysis. Firms that specialize in this can see busy periods. On a personal level, it’s crucial to have good insurance and a financial buffer.

Q: What’s the networking scene like for accountants?
A: It’s intimate but active. The Mississippi Gulf Coast Chapter of the MSCPA holds regular meetings. Chamber of Commerce events are excellent for meeting finance directors at local companies. Given the small size, a strong LinkedIn presence and personal introductions are incredibly effective.

Q: Is it a good place to start my career as a new accountant?
A: Yes, with a caveat. The smaller market means fewer entry-level roles than in a major city, so you must be proactive. Starting at a local CPA firm or in an AP/AR role at a casino is a solid foundation. The low cost of living is a huge advantage, allowing you to pay down student loans or save aggressively.

Q: What are the biggest surprises for accountants moving from a larger city?
A: The pace of life. The 9-to-5, no-commute routine is a major shift. You might also be surprised by the depth of