Carpenter in Biloxi, MS

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Carpenters considering Biloxi, MS.

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The Salary Picture: Where Biloxi Stands

As a Carpenter, your earning potential in Biloxi is a direct reflection of the local economy—a mix of coastal tourism, military presence, and regional construction. The numbers tell a clear story: Biloxi isn't a national wage leader, but the low cost of living makes your paycheck stretch significantly further than in many other parts of the country.

Let’s break down the median salary of $55,092/year and the hourly rate of $26.49/hour. This is the midpoint for all Carpenters in the area, meaning half earn more, and half earn less. Compared to the national average of $56,920/year, Biloxi sits just slightly below, but the gap is minimal—about $1,800 annually. The real story, however, is in the local job market dynamics. With only 98 jobs in the metro area for Carpenters, competition can be tight, but so can the loyalty of skilled tradespeople, creating opportunities for those with the right certifications and a strong work ethic. The 10-year job growth is projected at a modest 5%, which aligns with national trends but suggests steady, not explosive, demand.

To give you a clearer picture of how experience translates to income in this specific market, here’s a realistic breakdown.

Experience-Level Breakdown for Biloxi Carpenters

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities & Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$40,000 - $48,000	Assisting with framing, finishing, and material handling. Often starts as a helper. Requires basic tool knowledge and a strong safety focus.
Mid-Level (2-5 yrs)	$55,000 - $65,000	Can lead small crews, read blueprints, and execute complex installations (stairs, built-ins). The median salary sits here.
Senior (5-10 yrs)	$65,000 - $78,000	Project management, custom millwork, and mentoring junior staff. Often holds a journeyman license.
Expert (10+ yrs)	$78,000+	Specializes in areas like historical restoration or commercial finish work. May run their own business or be a lead foreman.

Data synthesized from local job postings, industry reports, and BLS data for the Biloxi-Gulfport metro area.

Comparison to Other Mississippi Cities

While Biloxi offers a solid wage, it's instructive to see how it compares to other major Mississippi markets:

• Jackson: The state capital and largest metro (493,000 population) has a higher median salary for carpenters (approx. $58,500), but the cost of living and rent are also 15-20% higher. More corporate and government construction projects can offer higher-paying specialty roles.
• Hattiesburg: Home to the University of Southern Mississippi, this metro (approx. 480,000) has similar salary levels to Biloxi ($54,000-$56,000) but with a slightly higher cost of living due to the university's influence. Job growth here is more tied to education and healthcare construction.
• Gulfport: As Biloxi's immediate neighbor (part of the same MSA), the salary and job numbers are virtually identical. The main difference is the specific employer mix—Gulfport may have a slightly higher concentration of industrial and port-related construction.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. In Biloxi, the most significant pay bumps come from obtaining specialty certifications (like OSHA 30, lead abatement, or specific manufacturer certifications for materials like Trex or Marvin windows) that allow you to work on higher-end residential or commercial projects for the major employers listed below.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $55,092 sounds good, but what does it mean for your daily life? Biloxi’s Cost of Living Index is 89.3 (US avg = 100), meaning it’s over 10% cheaper to live here than the national average. This is primarily driven by housing.

Let’s break down the monthly budget for a Carpenter earning the median salary. (Note: This is a pre-tax estimate for a single filer with standard deduction; take-home pay will be lower after federal/state taxes, Social Security, and Medicare.)

• Gross Monthly Income: $55,092 / 12 = $4,591
• Estimated Take-Home (after ~22% effective tax): ~$3,580/month
• Average 1BR Rent: $923/month
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): $150 - $200/month
• Groceries & Essentials: $300 - $400/month
• Transportation (Gas, Insurance, Maintenance): $250 - $350/month (Biloxi is car-dependent)
• Health Insurance (if not provided by employer): $200 - $400/month
• Discretionary/Savings: $1,300 - $1,657/month

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, absolutely. This is where Biloxi becomes a strong option for career-minded carpenters. With $1,300+ in discretionary income after core expenses, saving for a down payment is feasible. The median home price in Biloxi is approximately $220,000 (Zillow, mid-2024). A 20% down payment is $44,000. At a savings rate of $1,000/month, that’s roughly 44 months (3.5 years) to save for a down payment. With double income or a more aggressive savings plan, it can be done much faster. The lower property taxes in Mississippi (compared to national average) further sweeten the deal for homeowners.

Where the Jobs Are: Biloxi's Major Employers

The Biloxi construction market is dominated by a few key sectors: hospitality, healthcare, education, and the military. Here are the primary employers a Carpenter should target, along with their hiring trends.

1. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi / Beau Rivage Resort & Casino: These giants are in a perpetual state of renovation and expansion. They hire carpenters for everything from building custom bars and retail spaces to maintaining historic-looking facades. Hiring is often seasonal (Q1-Q2 for summer openings) but steady for skilled finish carpenters. Insider Tip: Getting on a casino's preferred contractor list (like Coastal Construction or Gulf Coast Builders) is more lucrative than direct employment.

2. Keesler Air Force Base (Biloxi): As a major economic engine, the base has constant construction and maintenance needs for barracks, family housing, and administrative buildings. Projects are often bid by general contractors like Brasfield & Gorrie or M.C. Dean, who then hire local carpenters. Security clearance can lead to premium pay. The 10-year job growth of 5% is bolstered by federal military spending.

3. Memorial Hospital at Gulfport & Biloxi Regional Hospital: Healthcare construction is a growing niche. These hospitals hire carpenters for new wing construction, patient room updates, and specialized millwork for labs and nurse stations. The work is clean, scheduled, and offers steady hours. Hiring trends favor carpenters with experience in healthcare-grade materials and infection control protocols.

4. Harrison County School District: With a growing student population, the district is constantly building new schools and renovating old ones. These are large, public-sector projects with defined budgets and timelines. Contractors like Cox Construction frequently serve as GCs here. Work is stable, but pay rates are often tied to public bid schedules, which can be lower than private luxury work.

5. Custom Home Builders (e.g., D.R. Horton, Lennar, and local firms like Gulf Coast Custom Homes): The residential market in areas like Deer Island and D'Iberville is strong for mid-to-high-end homes. These builders need framers, finish carpenters, and siding specialists. Hiring is project-based, offering good flexibility for those who don't mind moving between job sites.

6. Coastal Restoration & Marine Contractors: Unique to the Gulf Coast, companies like ECC or Moss Marine work on bulkheads, piers, and storm protection structures. This is a specialized field requiring knowledge of marine-grade treated lumber and concrete formwork. Pay can be high due to the specialized nature of the work.

Getting Licensed in MS

Mississippi does not have a state-level journeyman license for carpenters, unlike some states. However, there are critical requirements and certifications you must meet to work legally and competitively.

• State Requirements: There is no state-issued "Carpenter's License." Instead, your work is regulated by local city and county building departments. You will need to carry general liability insurance (typically $1 million/$2 million) and workers' compensation insurance if you have employees. For commercial projects, you may need to register with the Mississippi Secretary of State if you operate as an LLC or corporation.
• Mandatory Certifications:
  • OSHA 10-Hour (Construction): Required by almost every commercial contractor. Cost: $60 - $100.
  • OSHA 30-Hour: For supervisors. Often paid for by employers. Cost: $150 - $200.
  • Lead-Safe Certification (EPA RRP Rule): Absolutely critical if you work on homes built before 1978 (common in East Biloxi and older neighborhoods). Fines for non-compliance are severe. Training costs $250 - $350 and is valid for 5 years.
• Timeline to Get Started:
  1. Week 1: If you're new to the trade, start as a helper. You can get your OSHA 10 online in a weekend.
  2. Months 1-6: Build experience on job sites. Save for your Lead-Safe certification if targeting renovation work.
  3. Year 1-2: With experience and certifications, apply for journeyman-level roles with contractors or build a client base for small jobs.
  4. Year 3+: Consider obtaining a Residential Builder License from the Mississippi State Board of Contractors if you plan to take on projects over $10,000. This requires passing an exam and posting a surety bond ($10,000). This is your path to running your own business.

Best Neighborhoods for Carpenters

Your choice of neighborhood impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Biloxi is spread out, so proximity to major job sites (casinos, Keesler, new developments) is key.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Why It's Good for Carpenters
East Biloxi (Historic)	Walkable, older, close to casinos & downtown. Short commute to most major employers.	$850 - $1,100	You're in the heart of the action. Easy to get to renovation projects and custom home jobs. Older homes mean more repair work.
D'Iberville / St. Martin	Suburban, family-oriented, with new shopping centers. Commute to Biloxi is 10-15 mins.	$900 - $1,200	Proximity to new construction (D.R. Horton, etc.) and the Keesler AFB housing areas. More modern apartment complexes.
Vancleave / Woolmarket	Rural, quiet, larger properties. 20-30 min commute to Biloxi core.	$800 - $1,000	Ideal if you have a work truck or trailer and need space. Lower rent means more savings. Common for contractors running their own business.
Gulfport (West Side)	Larger city feel, more diverse economy. 15-20 min commute to Biloxi.	$950 - $1,250	Closer to the industrial port and coastal restoration projects. More job options if you're willing to drive.
Long Beach	Small-town, coastal, family-friendly. 15 mins to Biloxi.	$900 - $1,150	Good balance. Close to both Biloxi and Gulfport job markets. Strong community for long-term settling.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying in Biloxi for the long haul requires strategic specialization. The 5% job growth won't be for generalists.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Finish Carpentry / Millwork: Can command a 15-20% premium over general framing. This is where the casino and luxury home work is.
  • Marine & Coastal Construction: Premium pay for specialized skills. Often $35+/hour due to the hazardous environment and specialized knowledge.
  • Project Management: With 5+ years of experience and OSHA 30, you can move into a superintendent role, adding $10,000 - $20,000 to your base salary.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Employee to Contractor: The most common path. Start with a company, get your certifications, build a network, and start bidding small jobs. Use your Residential Builder License to scale.
  2. Specialist to Consultant: Become the go-to expert for a niche (e.g., hurricane-rated window installation, historic wood restoration). You can consult for multiple contractors.
  3. Commercial to Corporate: Move from field work to a estimating or project management role at a large firm like Brasfield & Gorrie or Moss Marine.
• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is stable but requires adaptation. The 5% growth will be in specialty areas. The push for energy-efficient and storm-resistant building codes post-Hurricane Katrina means more focus on insulated concrete forms (ICF), impact-resistant windows, and fortified roofing. Carpenters with these skills will be in high demand. The casinos will continue to remodel, and the military base will see steady investment. The key is to avoid being a "jack-of-all-trades" and become a "master of a high-demand niche."

The Verdict: Is Biloxi Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further than on the coasts or in Jackson.	Limited Job Market: Only 98 jobs means you must be proactive and network heavily.
Strong Niche Opportunities: Casinos, military, and coastal work offer unique, high-paying specialties.	Lower Ceiling: The median salary $55,092 is below the national average, limiting top-end earnings.
Owner-Builder Friendly: High feasibility for buying a home and starting your own contracting business.	Hurricane Risk: Insurance costs (home & business) can be high, and work is disrupted during storm seasons.
Tight-Knit Trade Network: It's a small world; a good reputation spreads quickly.	Car Dependency: You need a reliable truck/van for tools and commuting. Public transit is not viable.
No State Income Tax on Trade Tools: Mississippi doesn't tax paid-in-kind or tools for tradespeople, a small but real benefit.	Seasonal Work Cycles: Tourism-driven projects can be seasonal, requiring planning for slower months.

Final Recommendation: Biloxi is an excellent choice for a mid-career carpenter (3-10 years of experience) who values stability, affordability, and quality of life over maximum salary. It's not ideal for a brand-new apprentice expecting rapid, high-paying growth, or for a specialist seeking the absolute highest national wages. If you're willing to specialize in a niche like coastal, casino, or LEED-certified construction, and you have an entrepreneurial mindset, Biloxi offers a clear path to a solid middle-class life and business ownership. The math works. The opportunities are there for those who go after them.

FAQs

1. I'm moving from a union state. How does Mississippi's lack of unions affect me?
Mississippi is a "right-to-work" state, and union presence in carpentry is minimal. This means wages and benefits are set by the individual contractor or company, not a collective agreement. For a skilled and self-motivated Carpenter, this can be an advantage—you can negotiate directly based on your merit. However, you lose the standardized wage scales, pension plans, and collective bargaining power. You must be diligent about vetting employers for safety records and timely payment.

2. How important is having my own tools and truck?
It's non-negotiable. Nearly every job posting, from entry-level to expert, requires a valid driver's license and a reliable vehicle. For your own tools, you'll need at least a basic set (circular saw, miter saw, drill, level, etc.) to be taken seriously. Employers may provide larger power tools (table saws, compressors), but having your own demonstrates professionalism and readiness. A work truck with a secure toolbox is a career investment.

3. What's the deal with "hurricane season" and how does it affect carpentry work?
From June to November, Biloxi is active. While this can mean project delays, it also creates