Financial Analyst in Gulfport, MS

As a Gulfport native who's watched this city's economy ebb and flow with the tide and the casinos, I can tell you that being a Financial Analyst here isn't the same as in New York or Chicago. It's a different rhythm, a different set of opportunities, and a different cost of living. This guide isn't about selling you on the Coast; it's about giving you the unvarnished numbers and local insights you need to decide if your career fits here.

The Salary Picture: Where Gulfport Stands

Let's cut to the chase: the pay is solid, but it doesn't quite hit the national average. The median salary for a Financial Analyst in Gulfport is $95,831 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.07. That's strong for Mississippi, but when you compare it to the national average of $99,010, you're looking at a deficit. The key here is the cost of living, which is about 10.7% lower than the national average (Cost of Living Index: 89.3). Your dollar stretches further, but you need to be strategic about experience.

Experience-Level Breakdown Table
Data derived from BLS regional reports and local job postings.

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Gulfport Salary Range (Annual)	Notes
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$65,000 - $78,000	Often in junior roles at credit unions or local firms.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$82,000 - $105,000	The sweet spot for most corporate and banking roles.
Senior	8-15 years	$106,000 - $135,000	Requires specialization (risk, FP&A) at major employers.
Expert/Lead	15+ years	$135,000+	Management, consulting, or niche regulatory roles.

Comparison to Other Mississippi Cities
Gulfport is part of the Gulfport-Biloxi metro area. Here’s how it stacks up against other major MS cities for Financial Analysts:

• Jackson: Slightly higher median pay (~$98,500), but a higher concentration of corporate HQ and government jobs. Higher competition.
• Hattiesburg: Lower median pay (~$89,000), with a strong focus on healthcare and education (University of Southern Mississippi).
• Tupelo: Median pay is similar to Gulfport (~$94,000), driven by manufacturing and logistics (Toyota plant, regional HQs).

Insider Tip: The 10-year job growth is 9% in the metro. This is slower than the national average but stable. Growth is coming from healthcare expansion (Memorial Hospital at Gulfport) and the steady, if not explosive, casino and hospitality industry. There are approximately 145 jobs for Financial Analysts in the metro at any given time. It's a tight market, so networking is non-negotiable.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

On a salary of $95,831, you’re looking at an estimated take-home pay (after federal, state, and FICA taxes) of roughly $72,000 - $74,000 annually, or about $6,000 - $6,167 per month. Let's break down a realistic monthly budget.

Sample Monthly Budget for an Analyst Earning $95,831
Assuming single filer, no dependents, standard deduction.

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$6,100	Conservative estimate after taxes.
Rent (1BR avg.)	$923	Citywide average. Could be lower or higher.
Utilities	$180	Electricity (high in summer), water, internet.
Groceries	$400	Comparable to national average.
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Insurance is high in MS (no-fault state).
Health Insurance	$250	Employer-sponsored plans vary.
Retirement (401k 10%)	$800	Pre-tax, crucial for long-term growth.
Entertainment/Dining	$300	Gulfport has a growing food scene.
Miscellaneous/Savings	$1,797	Surplus for savings, travel, or a home down payment.

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, absolutely. The median home price in Gulfport is roughly $180,000 - $200,000. On a $95,831 salary, you'd be well within the standard 28% rule for a mortgage. A 20% down payment on a $190,000 home is $38,000. With a monthly surplus of nearly $1,800, you could save that in just over two years, even while contributing to retirement. This is a major advantage over living in a coastal city like Miami or San Diego.

Where the Jobs Are: Gulfport's Major Employers

The job market is dominated by five key sectors: healthcare, gaming, banking, insurance, and regional corporate HQs. Here are the specific employers you need to know:

1. Memorial Hospital at Gulfport: The largest private employer on the Coast. They have a robust finance department for budgeting, grant management, and capital projects. Salaries are competitive, and benefits are excellent. Hiring is steady due to ongoing expansion.
2. Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center (part of HCA Healthcare): Another major hospital system. They often hire Financial Analysts for revenue cycle management and operational finance.
3. BancorpSouth (Now Cadence Bank) & First Gulf Bank: Both have significant regional headquarters in Gulfport/Biloxi. They hire analysts for commercial lending, portfolio management, and internal finance. These are traditional banking tracks with clear advancement paths.
4. The Casino Operators (Beau Rivage, Hard Rock, IP Casino): Don't think "dealer." Think corporate finance. The casino giants have large finance teams handling everything from slot revenue analysis to hotel forecasting. The work is fast-paced, data-heavy, and often requires knowledge of gaming regulations. Salaries can be on the higher end for the region.
5. Mississippi Power: A subsidiary of Southern Company. They have a local finance office for budgeting, regulatory reporting, and rate case analysis. Stable, with good benefits.
6. Ingalls Shipbuilding (Pascagoula): While not in Gulfport proper, it's a 30-minute drive and the largest employer in the region. They hire many Financial Analysts for cost accounting, government contract finance (DOD), and program management. This is a major source of high-paying, specialized roles.
7. Regional Insurance Agencies (e.g., The Freeman Group): Gulfport has a cluster of insurance companies and agencies that need analysts for risk assessment and financial modeling.

Insider Tip: The hiring cycle often aligns with the federal fiscal year (October 1) and the end of the calendar year. The best time to apply is late summer.

Getting Licensed in MS

For a corporate Financial Analyst, you generally do not need a state license. However, if you plan to offer investment advice or manage portfolios, you need specific credentials.

• Series 7 & 63 (FINRA): For selling securities. Required if you become a broker or investment advisor. You must be employed by a FINRA-member firm to sit for these exams. Costs: ~$80 per exam.
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA): Not state-specific, but globally recognized. The three-level exam process is rigorous and costly (~$1,500-$2,500 total). It significantly boosts your salary potential, especially at senior levels.
• Mississippi Insurance License: If you work in insurance analysis or underwriting. You'll need to take pre-licensing courses (online, $200) and pass the state exam ($50). The process takes 2-4 weeks.

Timeline to Get Started: For a standard corporate analyst role, no license is needed. For investment roles, plan for 6 months to a year to get Series 7/63 while employed. For the CFA, plan for 3-5 years to complete all three levels.

Best Neighborhoods for Financial Analysts

Your commute and lifestyle will vary dramatically based on where you live.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For
Downtown Gulfport	Walkable, historic, near the port and some offices. 5-10 min commute to most central employers.	$850 - $1,100	Young professionals who want a social scene.
Lakeview / Orange Grove	Suburban, family-friendly. 10-15 min commute to hospitals and corporate offices.	$800 - $1,000	Analysts with families or who prefer quiet.
Biloxi (East Side)	Near the casinos and HR. 10-20 min commute to Gulfport. More nightlife.	$900 - $1,200	Those working in the gaming industry.
Long Beach	Quiet, small-town feel, excellent schools. 15-25 min commute to Gulfport.	$925 - $1,150	Analysts seeking a relaxed, community vibe.
Pass Christian / Lorraine	Upscale, coastal living. 20-30 min commute. Higher cost of living.	$1,000 - $1,400+	Seniors or those with higher salaries seeking a lifestyle.

Insider Tip: Traffic on Highway 90 (the main coastal artery) is light except during tourist season (spring break, summer weekends) and special events like Cruisin' the Coast. A commute from Biloxi to Gulfport is rarely an issue.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Growth in Gulfport is about specialization, not just promotion.

• Specialty Premiums: You can expect a salary bump of 10-15% for in-demand skills:
  • Healthcare Financial Analysis: (Memorial Hospital, HCA) - High demand due to complex billing and regulatory changes.
  • Government Contract Finance: (Ingalls Shipbuilding) - Requires understanding of DOD regulations (FAR, CAS).
  • Data Analytics & SQL: Essential everywhere. Analysts who can pull their own data are more valuable.
• Advancement Paths: Typical trajectory: Junior Analyst → Senior Analyst → Finance Manager → Director of Finance. The Director-level roles are few and usually filled by insiders or candidates with an MBA or CFA.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 9% job growth will likely be in healthcare and specialized manufacturing (aeroshipbuilding). The casino industry will remain stable but not a major growth engine. To advance significantly, you may need to look at moves to Biloxi's larger corporate offices or consider remote work for national firms. However, the low cost of living makes a lateral move financially manageable.

The Verdict: Is Gulfport Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your $95,831 salary goes much further than on the coasts.	Limited Job Market: Only 145 jobs available. Networking is critical.
Home Ownership is Attainable: You can buy a home early in your career.	Lower Ceiling: Senior salaries cap out lower than in major metros.
Unique Industry Mix: Great for analysts with interests in gaming or government contracting.	Summer Humidity & Storms: The climate and hurricane risk are real factors.
Slower Pace & Work-Life Balance: Less cutthroat than big financial centers.	Limited "Prestige" Roles: Few Fortune 500 HQs or investment banks.
Strong Community: It's easy to build a network and feel connected.	Dependence on Tourism & Defense: Key sectors can be volatile.

Final Recommendation: Gulfport is an excellent choice for mid-career analysts seeking financial stability and work-life balance, or for younger analysts who want to own a home early and gain solid experience. It's less ideal for those chasing the absolute top-tier salary or a fast-paced, cutthroat career in investment banking. If you value a lower stress environment and a high quality of life over maximizing income, Gulfport is a very smart bet.

FAQs

1. I'm a recent graduate. Is it hard to find an entry-level job here?
It's competitive. With only 145 jobs in the metro, you're competing with local talent and those relocating. Your best bet is to target the hospitals (Memorial, HCA) and regional banks (Cadence, First Gulf). Having a Python or SQL certification can set you apart. Be prepared to start in a junior role and prove yourself.

2. How important is the CFA charter in Gulfport?
It's a differentiator, not a requirement. For the major banking and hospital roles, it's a strong plus that can push you to the top of the pay scale ($120k+). For the casino or shipbuilding roles, experience with large datasets and specific regulations (gaming or DOD) is often more valuable than the CFA.

3. What's the commute like from Biloxi to Gulfport?
A non-issue. It's a straight shot on Highway 90 or I-10, about 15-20 minutes. Traffic is minimal. The real commute challenge is living in a neighborhood like Long Beach or Pass Christian and working in downtown Gulfport, which can be 25-35 minutes.

4. Are there opportunities for remote work?
Growing, but not the norm. The healthcare and banking sectors are cautious about remote finance roles due to data security. However, post-pandemic, hybrid models (2-3 days remote) are becoming more common. Some analysts for national firms (insurance, consulting) work fully remotely from Gulfport.

5. How does the cost of living index of 89.3 actually feel?
It means your $95,831 feels like $107,000 nationally. A $1,000 mortgage payment here gets you a much nicer home than in a city with a 100+ index. You can dine out more often, save more aggressively, and still afford a vacation. It's the single biggest reason to consider Gulfport.