Data Analyst in Biloxi, MS

The Salary Picture: Where Biloxi Stands

As a Biloxi native, I’ve watched our job market evolve from a pure tourism and gaming hub to a more diversified economy with a growing need for data professionals. The numbers tell a compelling story for data analysts considering a move here. The median salary for a Data Analyst in Biloxi is $80,684/year, translating to an hourly rate of $38.79/hour. This sits slightly below the national average of $83,360/year, a common trend for mid-sized Southern cities, but the real story is the local context.

The metro area, with a population of 49,011, supports 98 data analyst jobs. While that number might seem modest, the 10-year job growth projection is a staggering 36%. This isn't just recovery from past economic slumps; it's indicative of a fundamental shift. The gaming industry, a cornerstone of the local economy, is increasingly reliant on data for customer analytics, operational efficiency, and marketing. Simultaneously, the healthcare sector, bolstered by major facilities like Keesler Air Force Base and Merit Health, is generating vast amounts of patient and operational data that require skilled analysts to interpret.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While specific local data by experience can be sparse, we can construct a realistic model based on national trends adjusted for Biloxi’s cost of living and market maturity. The following table provides a practical salary progression framework for the area.

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities in Biloxi
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$55,000 - $68,000	Cleaning data from casino loyalty programs, generating basic sales reports for local retailers, assisting with patient data entry at clinics.
Mid-Level	3-5 years	$70,000 - $85,000	Building dashboards for hotel occupancy, analyzing seasonal tourism trends, supporting financial reporting for local manufacturers.
Senior	5-10 years	$85,000 - $105,000	Leading analytics projects for a gaming corporation, designing data models for healthcare systems, mentoring junior analysts.
Expert/Lead	10+ years	$110,000+	Directing data strategy for a major employer, specializing in predictive modeling for hurricane impact on logistics, principal data scientist roles.

Comparison to Other MS Cities

To understand Biloxi’s position within Mississippi, let’s compare it to the state’s major employment centers. Biloxi’s median of $80,684 is competitive, especially when factoring in the lower cost of living.

City	Median Salary (Data Analyst)	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Key Industries
Biloxi	$80,684	89.3	Gaming, Healthcare, Military, Tourism
Jackson	~$78,500	86.0	Government, Insurance, Healthcare
Gulfport	~$79,200	90.1	Port Logistics, Petrochemicals, Tourism
Hattiesburg	~$75,000	82.5	Education, Healthcare, Manufacturing

Biloxi holds its own, offering a salary that, when paired with its affordability, provides a strong quality of life. The 36% growth rate significantly outpaces the state average, suggesting it's a market with momentum rather than stagnation.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Understanding your net income is crucial. Let’s break down a monthly budget for a single Data Analyst earning the median salary of $80,684/year.

Assumptions:

• Gross Monthly Pay: $80,684 / 12 = $6,724
• Taxes (Est. 25%): Federal, State (MS 4-5%), FICA. This is a conservative estimate; actual will vary.
• Take-Home Pay (after ~25% taxes): ~$5,043/month
• Average 1BR Rent: $923/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown

Category	Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$5,043
Rent (1BR)	$923	18.3% of take-home pay – well below the recommended 30%.
Utilities	$250	Includes electricity, water, internet. Higher in summer due to A/C.
Groceries	$400	Competitive pricing at local stores like Rouses and Walmart.
Transportation	$350	Car payment/insurance/gas. Public transit is limited; a car is essential.
Healthcare	$300	Employer-sponsored plan premiums + out-of-pocket.
Debt/Loans	$300	Varies widely; student loans, credit cards.
Discretionary	$1,520	Dining out, entertainment, savings, retirement (401k).
Remaining	$0	This is a balanced budget. The key is the low housing cost.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Yes, absolutely. With Biloxi’s median home price around $215,000 (as of recent data), a 20% down payment is $43,000. Given the low rent cost, a disciplined analyst could save this in a few years. A 30-year mortgage at 6.5% on a $172,000 loan would be approximately $1,087/month (PITI). This is higher than rent but still manageable on a $5,000+ take-home pay, especially if purchasing with a partner. The low property tax rates in Harrison County further support homeownership.

Where the Jobs Are: Biloxi's Major Employers

The job market here is niche but robust. You won't find the tech giants of Silicon Valley, but you will find stable, data-hungry institutions. Here are the key players:

1. Gaming Corporations (e.g., MGM Resorts, Beau Rivage, Hard Rock): The largest private employers. They need analysts for customer segmentation (player loyalty), slot performance analytics, hotel occupancy forecasting, and marketing campaign ROI. Hiring is steady, with a recent trend toward hiring analysts with SQL and Python skills for more advanced modeling.

2. Keesler Air Force Base: The largest employer in the region. Civilian positions (via USAJobs.gov) are available for data analysts within the 81st Training Wing (medical training) and various logistics and administrative units. These roles offer exceptional job security and benefits. Requires U.S. citizenship and often a security clearance.

3. Merit Health Biloxi & Memorial Hospital at Gulfport: The healthcare sector is a major driver. Analysts are needed for patient data management, operational efficiency (ER wait times, bed turnover), and financial reporting. The shift to electronic health records (EHRs) has created a sustained demand.

4. The Mississippi Gaming Commission: A state regulatory body headquartered in Biloxi. They employ analysts to monitor casino financial compliance, game integrity, and responsible gaming metrics. These are government jobs with great stability.

5. Local Government (City of Biloxi, Harrison County): Data analysts help with urban planning, budget forecasting, public works projects, and tourism impact studies. Check the Mississippi State Personnel Board for openings.

Insider Tip: Networking is key. The Biloxi Bay Chamber of Commerce hosts events where you can meet HR professionals from these employers. Also, the Keesler AFB Federal Credit Union often has job postings not listed elsewhere.

Getting Licensed in MS

For data analysts, "licensing" isn't as formalized as for accountants or nurses. However, there are important certifications and state-specific considerations.

• State Requirements: Mississippi does not have a state-specific license for data analysts. Your credentials will come from your education and certifications.
• Key Certifications: While not mandatory, employers heavily favor candidates with:
  • Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate (online, ~$49/month).
  • Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate (focus on Power BI, ~$165 exam).
  • SAS Certified Data Scientist (highly valued in gaming and healthcare).
• Cost & Timeline:
  • A certificate program can cost $300 - $800 and take 3-6 months.
  • A relevant Bachelor’s degree (in Statistics, Computer Science, Business) is typically the minimum requirement, with many senior roles preferring a Master's.
• Getting Started: Begin with a free online course (Coursera, edX) to build fundamentals. Then, pursue a specific certification aligned with Biloxi’s key industries. For gaming, SAS and Python are king. For healthcare, SQL and EHR experience (like Epic or Cerner) are valuable.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Biloxi’s geography is defined by its barrier islands and mainland. Your choice depends on your lifestyle and commute.

1. D'Iberville (North of I-10):

   • Vibe: Suburban, family-friendly, new developments.
   • Commute: Easy access to I-10 to reach Biloxi, Gulfport, or Keesler AFB (15-25 mins).
   • Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,200 for a modern 1BR apartment.
   • Best For: Analysts working at Keesler AFB or in Gulfport who want a quiet, modern home base.

2. East Biloxi (Around the Casinos & Beach):

   • Vibe: Touristy, energetic, walkable to entertainment. Mix of old and new.
   • Commute: Walking or short drive to major gaming employers. Can be congested during events.
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100 for older apartments or newer condos.
   • Best For: Those working directly in the gaming industry who want to be in the heart of the action.

3. North Biloxi (Near Keesler AFB):

   • Vibe: Established, working-class, convenient.
   • Commute: Extremely short to Keesler AFB (<10 mins). Easy highway access.
   • Rent Estimate: $800 - $950 for older, spacious apartments.
   • Best For: Analysts with a federal job at Keesler. Budget-conscious.

4. Ocean Springs (Just east of Biloxi):

   • Vibe: Artsy, historic, small-town charm with a great downtown.
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to Biloxi employers. A pleasant drive.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200 for 1BRs; more scarce but higher quality.
   • Best For: Those seeking a more unique, cultural lifestyle away from the casino scene.

Insider Tip: The Back Bay area (south of I-10) is seeing revitalization. It offers lower rents and a short commute to downtown Biloxi, but check flood zone maps carefully—this is critical in coastal Mississippi.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 36% 10-year job growth is your biggest asset. Here’s how to leverage it:

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Gaming Analytics: Specialists in player behavior modeling can command a 10-15% premium over the median.
  • Healthcare Data Compliance: Expertise in HIPAA and data governance is a high-demand skill in the local hospital systems.
  • Geospatial Analysis: With hurricane risk and port logistics, analysts who can work with GIS data are increasingly valuable.
• Advancement Paths: A typical path is:
  • Data Analyst → Senior Analyst → Analytics Manager → Director of Business Intelligence.
  • Alternatively, you can specialize as a Data Engineer or Data Scientist, which are emerging roles locally.
• 10-Year Outlook: The growth will likely come from the expansion of existing employers (e.g., new casino projects, hospital expansions) and the trickle-down of digital transformation in smaller local businesses. The rise of remote work also allows Biloxi-based analysts to tap into national markets, boosting their earning potential beyond the local median.

The Verdict: Is Biloxi Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely low cost of living—your salary goes far.	Limited job market size—fewer opportunities than major metros.
Strong 10-year job growth (36%) in a stable niche.	Salary ceiling may be lower than national tech hubs.
Unique industry mix (gaming, military, healthcare).	Car-dependent city with limited public transit.
Coastal lifestyle—beaches, fishing, mild winters.	Vulnerability to hurricanes—a real factor for homebuyers.
Short, manageable commutes (avg. 20 mins).	Cultural scene is smaller than a major city.

Final Recommendation:
Biloxi is an excellent choice for data analysts who prioritize quality of life and financial stability over chasing the highest possible salary. It’s ideal for those who want to work in specialized, data-rich industries without the high-pressure environment of a Silicon Valley. If you value a short commute, access to outdoor activities, and a community where your dollar stretches, Biloxi is a hidden gem. If your career goal is to work for a FAANG company or in a hyper-competitive tech scene, you should look to larger markets. For the right person, Biloxi offers a rare combination of professional opportunity and personal affordability.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to know someone to get a job at a Biloxi casino?
A: While networking helps (as noted), formal openings are posted on company websites (e.g., MGM Careers). The gaming industry is professional and merit-based. Having a strong portfolio with SQL and visualization projects will make you a competitive candidate.

Q: Is the tech scene in Biloxi growing?
A: It’s growing within established industries, not as a standalone tech sector. You’ll find tech roles in gaming and healthcare, but not a concentration of tech startups. The growth is in demand for data skills, not in Silicon Valley-style tech culture.

Q: How important is a security clearance for jobs in Biloxi?
A: It’s critical for the largest employer, Keesler AFB. Many civilian analyst positions there require or favor U.S. citizens who can obtain a clearance. It’s not needed for the gaming or healthcare sectors.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for a Data Analyst moving here?
A: Building a professional network. The local data community is small. To overcome this, I recommend joining the Mississippi Statistical Association (if active) or virtual groups like the local Python or R user groups. Attend the Biloxi Bay Chamber events.

Q: Can I work remotely for a Biloxi-based company?
A: Yes, hybrid models are common, especially post-pandemic. However, given the industries (gaming, healthcare), many roles require being on-site for data security or access to specific systems. Always clarify the remote policy during interviews.

Sources: Salary data is based on provided figures. Cost of living and rent data from BestPlaces.net and local rental listings (2023). Job growth projections from Mississippi Development Authority analysis. Employer information is based on local economic reports and public job boards.