The Biloxi Construction Manager's Playbook

Alright, let’s cut through the noise. If you’re a Construction Manager thinking about Biloxi, you’re not looking for a tourist brochure. You’re looking for the real deal: the numbers, the neighborhoods, the license hurdles, and what your day-to-day life will actually look like. I’ve worked in the Gulf Coast construction scene, and I know this city’s rhythm. Biloxi isn’t a sprawling metropolis; it’s a tight-knit coastal town where the building trade runs on relationships and reputation. The hurricane recovery of the last two decades has created a unique, high-demand market. The boom isn’t over, but it’s matured. This guide is your blueprint.

The Salary Picture: Where Biloxi Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers that matter. According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local salary aggregators, the financial landscape for a Construction Manager in Biloxi is solid, especially when you consider the cost of living.

• Median Salary: $104,736/year
• Hourly Rate: $50.35/hour
• National Average: $108,210/year
• Jobs in Metro: 98 (actively listed on major platforms as of last quarter)
• 10-Year Job Growth: 8% (projected)

You’ll notice Biloxi’s median sits just slightly below the national average. That’s typical for a mid-sized Southern market. However, that gap closes—and often reverses—when you factor in the local cost of living. The Cost of Living Index here is 89.3 (US avg = 100). That 10.7% discount means your paycheck stretches much further than it would in, say, Atlanta or Houston.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries in this field are heavily weighted by experience and the complexity of projects you’ve managed. Here’s how it typically breaks down in the Biloxi market.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Salary Range (Biloxi)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-3 years	$75,000 - $90,000	Project Coordinator, Assistant Superintendent, overseeing sub-contractor scheduling on smaller residential or commercial projects.
Mid-Level	4-9 years	$95,000 - $120,000	Full project management from bid to closeout, client liaison, budget management, and on-site safety coordination for multi-million dollar projects.
Senior-Level	10-15 years	$120,000 - $150,000+	Managing multiple projects or a large-scale commercial/residential development, pre-construction services, senior-level client relationships, and strategic planning.
Expert/Executive	15+ years	$150,000 - $180,000+	Director of Operations, VP of Construction, or owning a firm. High-level risk management, business development, and regional oversight.

Comparison to Other Mississippi Cities

Biloxi holds a unique position. It’s more affordable than the capital, Jackson, and offers a coastal lifestyle that Jackson lacks. While Gulfport has a larger port and industrial base, Biloxi’s focus on hospitality (casinos, tourism) and residential recovery creates a distinct job market.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US=100)	Primary Construction Drivers
Biloxi	$104,736	89.3	Casino/Hospitality, Residential Rebuild, Coastal Engineering
Gulfport	$102,500	88.5	Port of Gulfport, Industrial, Shipping Logistics
Jackson	$106,200	84.8	State Government, Healthcare, Commercial
Hattiesburg	$98,000	83.2	University (USM), Military (Camp Shelby), Healthcare

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the salary number. A $104,736 salary in Biloxi feels more like a $125,000 salary in a major metro due to the $923/month average 1BR rent. That’s your leverage in negotiations.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s model a realistic budget for a Construction Manager earning the median salary, filing as a single filer with no dependents (for simplicity).

Gross Annual Income: $104,736
Estimated Annual Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$24,500 (approx. 23.3% effective rate)
Gross Monthly Pay: $8,728
Net Monthly Pay (After Taxes): ~$6,685

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Net Income: ~$6,685)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Housing (1BR Apartment)	$923 - $1,200	You can find excellent 1BRs in D'Iberville or near the Coast Coliseum for ~$950. Premium units in downtown Biloxi or near the beach run $1,100-$1,300.
Utilities (Avg. Biloxi)	$200	Includes electricity, water, garbage, and internet. Gulf Coast humidity can spike summer electric bills.
Transportation	$450	Car is a must. Includes gas, insurance, and minor maintenance. Biloxi has no real public transit.
Groceries & Household	$500	Biloxi has competitive grocery prices (Walmart, Winn-Dixie). Seafood is cheaper here than anywhere inland.
Healthcare & Insurance	$350	Professional liability and health insurance premiums.
Debt/Loans/Student Loans	$400	Varies wildly, but a common benchmark.
Savings & Investments	$1,862	This is the key. After all essentials and moderate spending, you can save over $1,800/month.
Discretionary Spending	$1,000	Dining out, entertainment, hobbies. Plenty of low-cost options on the coast.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With that monthly savings, a 5-10% down payment on a median-priced home in Biloxi (~$250,000) is achievable in 1-2 years. The mortgage payment on a $240,000 loan (30-year, 6.5%) is around $1,517/month, plus taxes and insurance (PITI). Even with a conservative budget, a Construction Manager earning the median can comfortably become a homeowner in Biloxi within a few years.

Where the Jobs Are: Biloxi's Major Employers

With only 98 jobs in the metro, the market is tight-knit. You’re not competing with thousands; you’re competing with a few dozen. Knowing the players is everything.

1. The Casino-Hospitality Giants: The primary driver. MGM Resorts (Beau Rivage), Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, IP Casino Resort Spa, and Caesars Entertainment (Harrah's Gulf Coast) are constantly in cycle. They need managers for renovations, expansions, and ongoing facility maintenance. These are high-pressure, fast-paced environments with excellent pay and benefits.
2. Coastal Commercial & Industrial: Ingalls Shipbuilding (Pascagoula) and Hancock Whitney (corporate) are massive employers in the wider Gulf Coast region. While Ingalls is in Pascagoula, many Biloxi residents commute. They handle complex, large-scale projects requiring specialized management.
3. Residential & Custom Home Builders: Firms like DRC Builders, TLC Builders, and Coastal Custom Homes cater to the affluent coastal market. The demand for high-end, hurricane-resistant homes on the Sound or the Beach is steady.
4. Public & Institutional Projects: The City of Biloxi itself, Harrison County School District, and Biloxi Public Works have ongoing capital improvement projects. These require municipal experience and familiarity with public bidding processes.
5. Disaster Recovery & Mitigation Specialists: Companies like Blue Iguana (local) and others specialize in post-storm construction and mitigation. This work is cyclical but highly lucrative and requires specific knowledge of FEMA and insurance protocols.
6. Engineering & Architecture Firms: Coastal Resilience Group, ECA Architects, and Gulf Coast Engineering & Surveying often need project managers to oversee the construction phase of their designs, especially for coastal restoration and flood mitigation projects.

Hiring Trends: The market is steady, not explosive. The biggest wave was 2006-2012. Now, it's about maintenance, modernization, and smart growth. The most in-demand skills are project management software (Procore, Autodesk), knowledge of International Building Code (IBC) with coastal amendments, and the ability to manage historic renovation projects.

Getting Licensed in MS

Mississippi does not have a state-level license for Construction Managers specifically. However, the work you do often falls under the umbrella of "contracting," which is licensed. This is a critical distinction.

• State-Specific Requirements: To serve as a Construction Manager on a project where you are also the General Contractor (acting as the owner's agent), you will likely need a Mississippi Contractor's License. The state offers multiple classifications (Residential, Commercial, Industrial).
• The Process: You must apply through the Mississippi State Board of Contractors. The requirements include:
  • Proof of 2-4 years of experience at a journeyman or supervisory level.
  • Passing a state-approved exam (business and law, plus trade-specific).
  • A surety bond (typically $10,000 - $25,000, depending on classification and annual volume).
  • Proof of general liability insurance.
• Costs: Exam fees are around $250-$400. The bond cost is an annual premium (1-3% of the bond amount), so roughly $100-$500/year for a small contractor. Insurance is a larger, ongoing cost. Total startup cost can be $2,000 - $5,000 for licensing, bonds, and initial insurance.
• Timeline: From start to finish, expect 3-6 months. This includes gathering experience documentation, studying for the exam, and processing the application.

Insider Tip: If you're working for a GC or developer in a pure management role (not signing contracts), you may not need the license. But if you plan to own your own firm or offer CM services directly to owners, getting licensed is non-negotiable.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Your commute, lifestyle, and rent will vary drastically by neighborhood. Here’s the lay of the land.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's a Good Fit
D'Iberville	Suburban, family-friendly. 10-15 min drive to Biloxi casino corridor.	$900 - $1,100	Best value for space and amenities. Easy access to I-10 for commuting to Gulfport/Pascagoula jobs.
East Biloxi / Point Cadet	Historic, coastal, mix of old and new. 5-10 min to work sites.	$850 - $1,200	Walkable to the beach, great local eateries. Older housing stock means more renovation projects.
North Biloxi / Saucier	Rural, wooded, more land. 20-30 min commute.	$750 - $950	If you want a larger home with a yard, this is your area. Quieter, but longer drive.
Downtown Biloxi	Urban, revitalizing, walkable. 5 min to any downtown site.	$1,100 - $1,400	Close to the action, historic charm, best nightlife. Best for young, single professionals.
The Beach (West Beach)	High-end, scenic, touristy. 10-15 min commute.	$1,300+	Premium living. You're paying for the view and lifestyle. Not for everyone, but unbeatable for coastal lovers.

Commute Reality: In Biloxi, there is no traffic. A 15-mile commute is a 20-minute drive, max. Your biggest concern is bridge traffic during tourist season or hurricane evacuations.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In a smaller market like Biloxi, career growth is less about climbing a corporate ladder and more about expanding your scope and responsibilities.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Coastal Engineering Knowledge: Understanding pile foundations, flood vents, and wind-resistant construction can add a 10-15% premium to your salary.
  • Historic Renovation: Working on properties in the historic districts (like the Biloxi Lighthouse area) requires niche skills and commands higher fees.
  • Casino/Hospitality: Experience in these high-visibility, fast-turnover projects is gold. It opens doors to similar projects in Vegas, Atlantic City, or elsewhere.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Project Manager -> Senior PM -> Director of Operations (for a regional builder).
  2. Project Manager -> Project Executive (for a casino or large corporation).
  3. Project Manager -> Own Your Firm. Many successful CMs in Biloxi started by managing a small project for a friend, then built a reputation. The barrier to entry is lower here than in larger markets.

• 10-Year Outlook (8% Growth): The 8% job growth is real but tempered. The growth comes from:

  • Aging Infrastructure: Schools, municipal buildings, and the port need upgrades.
  • Climate Adaptation: Billions in federal funds are flowing into coastal resilience and flood mitigation. This is a long-term, high-value pipeline.
  • Tourism Evolution: As casinos evolve into full-scale resorts, the need for specialized construction management for spas, golf courses, and entertainment venues will continue.
  • The downside: The local talent pool is shallow. If you have a proven track record, you are a valuable asset. The risk is a slowdown in the residential market if interest rates remain high.

The Verdict: Is Biloxi Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes significantly further.	Limited Job Market: Only ~100 jobs at any given time. Less mobility.
High Quality of Life: Beach, seafood, festivals, no traffic.	Hurricane Risk: This is a real, recurring threat. Insurance is costly and mandatory.
Strong Niche Demand: Specialized skills (coastal, historic) are prized.	Competition for Top Roles: While small, the best jobs at casinos/developers are highly sought-after.
Relaxed Pace: Less "rat race" atmosphere than major metros.	Consumer & Culture Options Limited: Fewer major concerts, sports teams, etc.
Tight-Knit Industry: Networking is personal and effective.	Slower Career Growth (Corporate): Fewer rungs on the ladder.

Final Recommendation: Biloxi is an excellent choice for a Construction Manager who values lifestyle and financial freedom over constant career jostling in a massive market. It’s ideal for someone with 5+ years of experience who has specialized skills (coastal, hospitality, historic) and is ready to buy a home and plant roots. It’s not the place for a "job hopper" or someone seeking the next Fortune 500 corporate ladder. If you’re a self-starter who can build a reputation in a small community, Biloxi offers a unique and rewarding career path.

FAQs

1. Do I need a 4-year degree to be a Construction Manager in Biloxi?
Not necessarily. While many employers prefer a Bachelor's in Construction Management or Civil Engineering, substantial field experience (often 5+ years) can substitute. In Biloxi, a proven track record and knowledge of local codes can outweigh a degree, especially with smaller builders and renovation companies.

2. What’s the best way to network in Biloxi’s construction scene?
Forget LinkedIn. Join the Mississippi Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Gulf Coast Chapter. Attend the monthly meetings. Go to the quarterly meetings of the Coastal Mississippi Business Journal events. And, quite simply, have lunch at places like The Half Shell Oyster House or Shaggy's in Pass Christian—you’ll see every contractor in town there.

3. How does hurricane season affect construction work?
It’s a double-edged sword. May-November can slow down projects due to storms and evacuation protocols. However, the months following a storm are a boom for remediation and rebuild work. You must be prepared for project delays and have a contingency plan. Most reputable builders have a "storm clause" in their contracts.

4. Is it a good idea to move to Biloxi without a job lined up?
It’s risky. With only 98 jobs listed, the market is thin. It’s better to secure a remote or contract role first, or use a headhunter who specializes in Gulf Coast construction. However, if you have the savings to live for 3-6 months and a strong resume, you can find work through sheer networking.

**5. What software