Here is a comprehensive career guide for Data Analysts considering a move to Gulfport, Mississippi.

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The Data Analyst's Guide to Gulfport, MS: Salary, Jobs, and Lifestyle

As a career analyst who's spent years tracking the Mississippi Gulf Coast job market, I'll tell you straight: Gulfport isn't the first city that comes to mind for data analytics, but that's precisely why it's worth a serious look. We're in a sweet spot—low cost of living, a growing tech-adjacent economy, and enough major employers to keep your career moving forward without the brutal competition of bigger metros. This guide breaks down the real numbers, the real neighborhoods, and the real career path for data analysts here.

The Salary Picture: Where Gulfport Stands

Let's get to the most important number first. In Gulfport, the median salary for a Data Analyst is $80,684/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $38.79/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $83,360/year, but the key variable here is the cost of living. Gulfport's metro area has a population of 72,824, and the job market for data analytics is niche but stable, with approximately 145 jobs in the metro area. The 10-year job growth is projected at 36%, a solid number that signals the field is expanding here as local industries modernize.

To understand where you might fit in, here’s a breakdown of salary ranges by experience level. This is based on local job postings and industry data for the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range (Gulfport)
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$55,000 - $68,000
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$68,000 - $85,000
Senior-Level (6-10 years)	$85,000 - $105,000
Expert/Lead (10+ years)	$105,000 - $125,000+

Insider Tip: The median salary of $80,684 sits squarely in the mid-level range. If you're coming in with 3-5 years of solid experience, you'll be right at the market rate. For entry-level, you'll need to negotiate based on niche skills (like healthcare data or GIS) to hit the higher end.

How Gulfport Compares to Other Mississippi Cities

Gulfport holds its own in the state. It's more affordable than Jackson, the state capital and largest metro, and offers a better work-life balance. Here’s how we stack up.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living (US Avg = 100)	Key Industry Drivers
Gulfport	$80,684	89.3	Port, Healthcare, Tourism, Manufacturing
Jackson	$85,000+	92.1	State Government, Healthcare, Education
Biloxi	$79,500	91.0	Gaming, Hospitality, Healthcare
Hattiesburg	$72,000	88.5	Education (USM), Healthcare

While Jackson pays slightly more, the jump in housing and transportation costs negates much of the advantage. Biloxi is a close sibling market to Gulfport, and many data professionals work on both sides of the county line. Hattiesburg is a strong second-tier city but with a smaller, more specialized job market.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary number is just a number until you see it in a monthly budget. Gulfport's affordability is its greatest asset. The average 1BR rent is $923/month, and the Cost of Living Index is 89.3 (where the US average is 100). This means your dollar goes about 11% further here than the national average.

Let's break down the monthly take-home for a Data Analyst earning the median salary of $80,684/year. (Note: Taxes are estimated using Mississippi's state income tax brackets and standard federal deductions for a single filer in 2024.)

Monthly Expense	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$6,724	$80,684 / 12 months
Estimated Taxes (Fed & MS)	~$1,500	Varies by deductions, exemptions
Net Monthly Pay	~$5,224	Your take-home
Rent (1BR Average)	$923	See neighborhood breakdown below
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$250	Higher in summer due to A/C
Groceries	$350	Comparable to national average
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Mississippi has lower car insurance premiums.
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$200	Mid-tier plan, post-deduction
Miscellaneous (Entertainment, etc.)	$500	Gulfport's social scene is low-cost.
Total Basic Expenses	$2,673
Remaining for Savings/Investments	~$2,551	Or student loans, travel, etc.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Gulfport is around $220,000. On a $5,224 monthly net income, a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $1,400/month for a 30-year loan at current rates. That's well under the recommended 28% of your net income, leaving you plenty of room for savings and lifestyle. The home-buying process here is straightforward, and real estate agents are plentiful, though inventory can move fast in desirable neighborhoods.

Where the Jobs Are: Gulfport's Major Employers

Gulfport's job market for data analysts is anchored by a few key sectors: healthcare, logistics/port operations, gaming, and public administration. You won't find the FAANG companies here, but you will find stable, well-paying roles with good benefits.

1. Memorial Hospital at Gulfport: The largest hospital on the Coast is a major employer of healthcare data analysts. They need people to analyze patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and financial data. Hiring is steady, often tied to federal grants and compliance reporting.
2. The Mississippi State Port Authority: The Port of Gulfport is a massive economic engine. They employ logistics analysts, supply chain data specialists, and GIS analysts to manage cargo operations, vessel traffic, and economic impact studies. This is a stable, government-adjacent role.
3. Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT): While smaller, the airport employs analysts for passenger traffic trends, revenue management, and operational logistics. It's a niche but growing area.
4. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi / Other Casinos: While the casinos are technically in Biloxi, they are a 10-15 minute commute from most of Gulfport. They employ data analysts for marketing analytics, player loyalty programs, and operational efficiency. The work is dynamic, but the industry can be cyclical.
5. Mississippi Power (Southern Company): The local utility company employs data analysts for grid management, customer usage trends, and outage response analytics. It's a classic "corporate" role with strong benefits.
6. Harrison County School District: With over 25,000 students, the school district needs analysts for student performance data, budget forecasting, and federal compliance reporting. It's a great option for those interested in public sector work.
7. Ingalls Shipbuilding (Pascagoula): A 30-45 minute commute east, but a critical employer. Ingalls, part of Huntington Ingalls Industries, employs vast numbers of engineers and data analysts for supply chain, production efficiency, and quality control analytics. The work is complex and highly specialized.

Hiring Trends: Most of these employers hire directly, with less reliance on tech recruiters. The best way to get in is to check their career pages regularly and network on LinkedIn with current employees. Many roles are filled before they're ever publicly posted.

Getting Licensed in MS

For data analysts, Mississippi has no state-specific license required to practice. However, there are certifications and credentials that will significantly boost your marketability and are often expected for senior roles.

• No State License Required: You do not need a state-issued license to work as a data analyst in Mississippi.
• Certifications (Highly Recommended): The most sought-after are from Microsoft (Azure Data Scientist Associate), Google (Data Analytics Professional Certificate), and Tableau (Desktop Specialist). The cost for these exams ranges from $100 to $200. A Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) credential is also respected for senior roles.
• Timeline to Get Started: If you have a bachelor's degree (in any field, though STEM, business, or economics is preferred), you can start applying for entry-level roles immediately. If you need to skill up, a focused 3-6 month bootcamp or certification course will make you competitive.
• Professional Organizations: Join the Mississippi Business Journal or the Gulf Coast Business Council for networking. While not a licensing body, these groups often post job openings and host events where you can meet hiring managers.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Where you live in Gulfport will define your commute and lifestyle. The city is laid out in a grid, with the I-10 corridor as the main artery. Here’s a breakdown of the best areas for data professionals.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Insider's Take
Downtown Gulfport	Walkable, urban, with new apartment complexes and local shops. 5-10 min commute to most downtown offices.	$1,100 - $1,400	Best for young professionals who want to be in the heart of the action. The new "The Mill" development is popular.
Orange Grove	Suburban, family-friendly, with good schools and older, established homes. 15-20 min commute to downtown.	$900 - $1,100	A quiet, safe area with a strong community feel. Great for those looking for a starter home.
Lakeview	Mid-century neighborhoods with larger lots, near the bay. 10-15 min commute.	$850 - $1,050	Offers a more "established" feel with beautiful oak trees and proximity to the bay. Good value for space.
West Gulfport	Residential, mostly single-family homes. 15-25 min commute to downtown, but very close to the airport and Port.	$800 - $1,000	More affordable and quieter. A good option if you work at the Port or airport.
Biloxi (East Side)	Technically a different city, but a 10-minute drive. Offers newer apartments and is close to the casinos and beaches.	$950 - $1,200	Ideal if you're targeting a gaming/hospitality role. The commute to Gulfport employers is easy via I-10.

Commute Reality: Traffic is not an issue here. A 15-minute commute is standard, and 25 minutes is considered "long." You can live in one city and work in the other with minimal hassle.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Gulfport is not a tech hub, but it offers a clear, stable path for advancement if you're strategic.

• Specialty Premiums: The highest salaries here are for analysts who specialize in healthcare data (HIPAA compliance, patient outcomes), supply chain/logistics (port and manufacturing analytics), and GIS (Geographic Information Systems). These niches are critical to the local economy and command a premium of 10-15% over the generalist median.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Junior Analyst to Analyst to Senior Analyst. The leap to "Manager" often happens at larger employers like Memorial Hospital or Ingalls Shipbuilding. Many professionals also transition into Business Intelligence (BI) Developer or Data Engineering roles as they gain technical skills.
• 10-Year Outlook: With a 36% job growth projection, the market is expanding. The rise of remote work also plays in Gulfport's favor. Many local analysts work remotely for companies in other states, earning national-level salaries while enjoying Gulfport's low cost of living. This hybrid model is increasingly common and is the key to maximizing long-term earnings here.

The Verdict: Is Gulfport Right for You?

Gulfport is a pragmatic choice. It’s not glamorous, but it’s solid. You trade the high salaries and fast pace of a major tech city for affordability, a manageable commute, and a unique coastal lifestyle.

Pros	Cons
Extremely low cost of living (rent, housing, utilities)	Salaries are below the national average
Stable, growing job market (36% growth)	Limited tech networking events/meetups
No state-specific licensing hurdles	Job market can be slower-paced and less dynamic
Short, easy commutes (15 minutes is standard)	Fewer "big name" tech companies on resumes
Unique coastal lifestyle (beaches, fishing, outdoor recreation)	Risk of hurricanes (a seasonal reality)

Final Recommendation: Gulfport is an excellent choice for data analysts who are early to mid-career, value work-life balance, and are looking to build solid experience without the financial stress of a major metro. It's also a perfect landing spot for remote workers. If you're an expert-level analyst seeking cutting-edge projects at a FAANG scale, you'll need to look elsewhere or pursue a remote role. For everyone else, Gulfport offers a compelling, data-driven case for a smart career move.

FAQs

1. Is the tech scene in Gulfport growing?
It's growing, but not explosively. The growth is in data roles supporting established industries (healthcare, manufacturing, logistics), not in pure tech startups. The remote work trend is what's really accelerating the local tech ecosystem.

2. How competitive is the job market for data analysts?
With only 145 jobs in the metro, it's a smaller, more competitive market than in larger cities. However, competition is lower than you'd find in Nashville or Atlanta. Having a specialized skill (like SQL + a domain knowledge like healthcare) is a major advantage.

3. What's the biggest challenge for a data analyst moving to Gulfport?
The biggest challenge is often the limited variety in employer types. You'll likely work for a large hospital, a government entity, or a manufacturing firm. If you crave constant change and a wide array of company cultures, this might feel limiting.

4. Can I live on the water?
Yes, but it comes at a premium. Waterfront or "water-view" properties in Gulfport, Biloxi, or Pass Christian can be 30-50% more expensive than inland homes. For a data analyst earning $80,684, it's doable but would require careful budgeting, likely as a dual-income household.

5. What's the best way to find a job here?

1. Direct Applications: Check the career pages of the major employers listed above.
2. LinkedIn: Connect with recruiters at Memorial Hospital, Ingalls, and the Port Authority. Use location filters.
3. Local Agencies: Register with Mississippi-based staffing firms like Parker+Lynch or Robert Half's Gulf Coast office. They often have exclusive contracts with local employers.

Sources: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Mississippi State Board of Licensing, Local Realtor Associations, Company Career Pages, Cost of Living Index (Council for Community and Economic Research).