Financial Analyst in Biloxi, MS

As a local who's watched the Biloxi economy shift from pure tourism to a more diversified mix of gaming, healthcare, and defense, I can tell you that the city offers a unique landscape for Financial Analysts. It’s not a Wall Street feeder, but it’s a place where you can build a stable, well-compensated career with a cost of living that’s hard to beat. Let’s cut through the noise and look at the data.

The Salary Picture: Where Biloxi Stands

Here in Biloxi, the financial sector is anchored by the gaming industry’s massive corporate offices, regional banks, and the healthcare systems that have expanded significantly post-Katrina. The numbers tell a clear story: you won’t find New York salaries, but your paycheck will stretch much further.

The median salary for Financial Analysts in the Biloxi metro area is $95,831/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.07. It’s important to note this is slightly below the national average of $99,010/year, but this gap is more than compensated for by Biloxi’s notably lower cost of living.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in our local market:

Experience Level	Typical Years in Biloxi	Estimated Salary Range	Common Employers
Entry-Level	0-3 years	$65,000 - $82,000	Regional banks, smaller gaming operators, local government
Mid-Level	4-8 years	$85,000 - $110,000	Large gaming corporations, healthcare systems, state agencies
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$110,000 - $140,000	Director-level roles at major employers, specialized consulting
Expert/Manager	15+ years	$140,000+	VP of Finance, Corporate FP&A, leadership at regional HQs

How Biloxi Compares to Other Mississippi Cities:

• Jackson: The state capital and largest metro has a higher concentration of corporate HQs and government. Salaries for Financial Analysts are typically 5-8% higher than Biloxi, but the cost of living is also higher, especially in the affluent suburbs like Madison and Ridgeland.
• Gulfport: As Biloxi’s direct neighbor, the job market is nearly identical. Salaries are within a 1-2% margin. The choice between Biloxi and Gulfport for an analyst often comes down to employer preference and commute.
• Hattiesburg: Home to the University of Southern Mississippi and a smaller, growing economic hub. Analyst salaries here trend 3-5% lower than Biloxi, with fewer large corporate employers.

Insider Tip: The 9% 10-year job growth rate for Financial Analysts in our metro is solid, driven by the expansion of the healthcare sector and the stabilization of the gaming industry post-2005. However, the 98 total jobs in the metro indicate this is a specialized, not a high-volume, job market. You need to be strategic.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. A median salary of $95,831 sounds good, but what does it mean for your monthly life? Here’s a realistic budget breakdown.

Monthly Budget for a Single Financial Analyst (Mid-Career):

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Pay	$7,986	$95,831 / 12 months
Taxes (Federal + State + FICA)	~$2,100	Estimate; varies with deductions. MS has a 4% flat income tax.
Take-Home Pay	~$5,886	After taxes, 401k, health insurance
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$923	Average for the metro area
Utilities (Elec, Water, Gas, Internet)	$230	Higher in summer due to AC use
Car Payment & Insurance	$500	Essential; public transit is limited
Groceries & Household	$450
Dining/Entertainment	$300
Savings/Retirement (10% of Gross)	$799
Discretionary / Buffer	$1,684

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely, yes. This is one of Biloxi’s biggest draws. With a take-home of nearly $6,000 and rent under $1,000, saving for a down payment is feasible. The median home price in the Biloxi metro is approximately $225,000. With a 20% down payment ($45,000), a mortgage on the remaining $180,000 at a 7% rate (today’s market) would be roughly $1,200/month, including taxes and insurance. For a mid-career analyst earning the median, this is well within the recommended 28-30% of gross income guideline. Neighborhoods like North Biloxi or parts of D’Iberville offer more recent builds at this price point.

Where the Jobs Are: Biloxi's Major Employers

The job market here is specialized. You won’t find hundreds of listings, but the employers that are here are significant and stable. The 98 jobs in the metro are concentrated in a few key sectors.

1. Gaming & Hospitality Corporations: This is the massive local industry. Companies like Caesars Entertainment (operates Harrah’s Gulf Coast) and Penn National Gaming (Boomtown Casino) have large corporate offices in Biloxi for regional finance, revenue management, and compliance. They need analysts for P&L analysis, forecasting, and budgeting for their multi-property portfolios.
2. Healthcare Systems: Memorial Hospital at Gulfport and Singing River Health System (with major facilities in Pascagoula and Gulfport) are major employers. They have robust finance departments for managing budgets, analyzing patient revenue, and overseeing capital projects. Forrest General Hospital in nearby Hattiesburg also has a presence.
3. Regional Banking: The First (headquartered in nearby Hattiesburg but with a strong Biloxi presence) and Renasant Bank are key players. They hire analysts for commercial lending, credit analysis, and branch profitability.
4. Government & Defense: The Keesler Air Force Base is a massive economic engine. While many analyst roles are civilian positions within the base’s finance office, there are also contractors supporting the base. Mississippi State University also has a coastal research campus that sometimes hires analysts for grant management and budgeting.
5. Manufacturing & Maritime: Companies like Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula (a short drive) and various chemical plants along the Gulf Coast have corporate finance needs for cost accounting, project analysis, and supply chain finance.

Hiring Trends: Hiring is steady, not frantic. The most opportunities are in gaming and healthcare. The post-pandemic recovery in tourism has stabilized gaming revenues, leading to more budgeting and forecasting roles. Healthcare expansion is a long-term driver. Defense spending is a constant.

Getting Licensed in MS

For most Financial Analyst roles in Biloxi, a state license is not required for entry-level or mid-level positions. However, for roles in wealth management, insurance, or senior corporate finance, credentials matter.

• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst): Not state-mandated, but highly valued by major employers like gaming corporations and banks. The exam can be taken in nearby New Orleans or online. Exam fees are approximately $1,200 per level. The entire process typically takes 3-4 years of self-study.
• CPA (Certified Public Accountant): Required for certain senior accounting/finance hybrid roles. Must pass the Uniform CPA Exam and meet Mississippi’s educational and experience requirements (typically 150 credit hours and 1-2 years of supervised experience under a CPA). Application and exam fees total around $1,000-$1,500.
• State-Specific Requirements: The Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy (MSBPA) oversees CPA licensure. For other financial certifications, there’s no state-specific license, but always check with the employer for their preferred credentials.

Timeline to Get Started: If you already have a bachelor’s in finance, accounting, or economics, you’re good to go. If you need to pursue a CFA or CPA, start studying immediately for the next exam cycle. You can easily land an analyst role while you’re working toward the credential.

Best Neighborhoods for Financial Analysts

Commute times are short in Biloxi, but lifestyle and amenities vary. Here are the top picks for an analyst.

1. Downtown Biloxi / East Beach: Rent: $900 - $1,400. You’re in the heart of the action—walkable to the beach, casinos, and new restaurants. Perfect for a younger analyst who wants a vibrant social scene. A short commute to the casino corporate offices and downtown offices. Street parking can be a challenge.
2. North Biloxi: Rent: $800 - $1,100. This is the established, residential side of the city. Older, tree-lined neighborhoods with single-family homes and apartment complexes. Very family-friendly. Commute to the gaming offices is 10-15 minutes. Offers more space for the money.
3. Gulfport – West Side: Rent: $850 - $1,200. Just west of Biloxi, this area is home to Memorial Hospital at Gulfport and has a growing commercial corridor. It’s quieter than Biloxi but with easy access to both Biloxi and the rest of the coast. A great choice if you work in healthcare.
4. St. Martin / Vancleave: Rent: $750 - $1,000. A bit further out (20-30 minute commute), this area offers more rural/suburban living with larger properties. Ideal for those who want a quieter, more spacious home environment. Not much nightlife, but close to nature and military bases.
5. Ocean Springs: Rent: $1,000 - $1,500. Technically a separate town, but a 15-minute drive to Biloxi. Known for its artsy vibe, walkable downtown, and excellent public schools. Often considered the most desirable place to live on the coast, with a slightly higher cost of living.

Insider Tip: If you work for a casino corporation, living in Downtown Biloxi or North Biloxi minimizes your commute, which is a huge perk given the occasional heavy traffic during major events (like Mardi Gras or fishing rodeos).

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Biloxi, career growth is less about rapid jumps and more about deepening expertise and moving into management.

• Specialty Premiums: Specializing in gaming revenue analysis or healthcare revenue cycle management can command a 10-15% salary premium due to the complexity of these regulated industries. Expertise in regulatory compliance (especially for gaming) is a golden ticket.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Financial Analyst to Senior Analyst, then to Finance Manager or FP&A Manager. From there, you could move into Director of Finance or Controller roles. The next step to VP of Finance often requires an MBA or a move to a larger corporate hub, but hybrid/remote work can make this possible without leaving the coast.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 9% job growth is encouraging. The outlook is positive for analysts who are willing to adapt. Gaming will continue to evolve with digital integration, requiring analysts who understand both traditional slot revenue and online/mobile trends. Healthcare will continue to grow with an aging population. Defense spending is stable. The key is to avoid being a generalist; become an expert in a local, high-demand sector.

The Verdict: Is Biloxi Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely low cost of living (89.3 index). Your salary has immense purchasing power.	Limited job market (only 98 jobs). Less mobility for job-hopping.
Stable, growing sectors (Gaming, Healthcare, Defense) provide job security.	Lower salary ceiling compared to major metros. Top roles are capped around $140k.
Short, easy commutes and a relaxed, coastal lifestyle.	Can be isolated from other major financial hubs. Networking for external roles is harder.
Proximity to nature and New Orleans for weekend getaways.	Public schools are mixed; research is key if you have a family.
Great entry point for building experience without high living costs.	Social life can revolve around tourism and the casino industry.

Final Recommendation:
Biloxi is an excellent choice for Financial Analysts who prioritize work-life balance, affordability, and stability over chasing the highest possible salary. It’s ideal for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home, start a family, and build a deep expertise in a regional industry. It’s less suitable for those seeking a fast-paced, high-competition career path in investment banking or private equity. For the right person, the trade-off is more than worth it.

FAQs

1. Do I need to know about casinos to work as an analyst here?
Not necessarily, but it helps. Major employers are in gaming. Understanding concepts like yield management, drop, and slot hold is a plus. If you work for a casino, you’ll learn it on the job.

2. How is the networking scene for finance professionals?
It’s intimate. Join the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chapter of the Financial Planning Association or local CFA Society events. The Biloxi Chamber of Commerce is active. Networking is more relationship-based here than in big cities.

3. What’s the weather like, and does it affect work?
Hot, humid summers and mild winters. Hurricanes are a real risk (June-November). Most businesses have robust disaster plans. You’ll need a reliable car with good A/C. It’s a factor, but locals are prepared.

4. Is a master’s degree (MBA/MSF) necessary to break in?
No. A bachelor’s in a relevant field is sufficient for most entry and mid-level roles. An MBA is more valuable for senior management tracks and can help you command a higher starting salary at large employers like the gaming corporations.

5. Can I work remotely for a company outside Biloxi?
Yes, this is increasingly common. While local employers prefer in-office, many analysts are now hybrid. If you secure a remote role with a company in a higher-paying market, you’ll enjoy Biloxi’s low cost of living with a big-city salary. This is a growing trend and a smart long-term strategy.