Marketing Manager in Biloxi, MS

The Salary Picture: Where Biloxi Stands

As a local Biloxi resident who's watched the marketing scene evolve along the Coast for over a decade, I'll tell you straight: the salary data for Marketing Managers here is both encouraging and specific. You're not looking at a generic national average; you're looking at a market with a defined ceiling and floor, shaped by our unique blend of tourism, healthcare, and regional corporate presence.

The median salary for a Marketing Manager in Biloxi is $152,560/year. That translates to an hourly rate of $73.35. It’s a solid figure that reflects the responsibility of the role in our mid-sized market. It’s important to understand this isn't an entry-level number. This median represents the midpoint of all reported salaries, meaning it's heavily influenced by the seasoned professionals managing campaigns for major casinos, regional hospital systems, and large beachfront resorts.

Nationally, Marketing Managers average $157,620/year. Biloxi sits slightly below the national average, a common trait for many smaller metro areas. However, our cost of living index of 89.3 (where the U.S. average is 100) effectively bridges that gap. A salary that might feel tight in Atlanta or Dallas goes much further here on the Gulf Coast.

The job market itself is niche but stable. With only 98 jobs in the metro area at any given time, openings are competitive and often filled through networks. The 10-year job growth projection is 8%, which is steady but not explosive. This isn't a market for job-hopping every 18 months; it's a market for building a 5-10 year career with a single, stable employer.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While the median is $152,560, your actual earning potential hinges on your experience and the specific industry you target. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Biloxi area:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary (Biloxi)	Typical Employers
Entry-Level	0-3 years	$75,000 - $95,000	Local agencies, small businesses, junior roles at larger companies
Mid-Level	4-7 years	$105,000 - $135,000	Marketing Coordinator at a healthcare system, Digital Marketer at a casino
Senior-Level	8-12 years	$140,000 - $165,000	Marketing Manager at a regional bank, Brand Manager for a major resort
Expert/Leadership	12+ years	$170,000 - $195,000+	Director of Marketing (hospitality/healthcare), VP of Marketing for a local corp

Insider Tip: The jump from Mid to Senior is the most significant. At this stage, you're expected to own not just campaigns, but P&L (Profit & Loss) for your marketing budget. In Biloxi, this often means proving you can drive measurable ROI in a market where every marketing dollar is scrutinized, especially in the seasonal tourism sector.

Comparison to Other Mississippi Cities

To understand Biloxi's place, let's look at the state's other major metros for this role. Biloxi's position is unique—it's not the state's largest market, but its salary is competitive due to the high-value industries it supports.

City	Median Salary (Marketing Manager)	Key Industries	Cost of Living Index
Biloxi	$152,560	Tourism/Hospitality, Healthcare, Regional HQ	89.3
Jackson	$148,000 (est.)	Government, Healthcare, Finance	88.1
Gulfport	$149,500 (est.)	Shipping, Tourism, Healthcare	90.5
Hattiesburg	$138,000 (est.)	Education, Healthcare, Military	84.2

Analysis: Biloxi edges out Jackson, the state capital, largely because of the premium placed on marketing expertise in the competitive Gulf Coast tourism and hospitality market. While Gulfport is a close neighbor and shares many employers, Biloxi's focus on large-scale casino resort marketing can command a slight premium. Hattiesburg, home to the University of Southern Mississippi, has a different economic base and thus lower salary benchmarks.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary of $152,560 looks fantastic on paper, but what does it mean for your daily life in Biloxi? Let's break it down with realistic local numbers.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Marketing Manager Earning $152,560:

• Gross Monthly Income: $12,713
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$3,400 (This is a rough estimate; consult a tax pro. MS has a progressive income tax.)
• Net Monthly Income: ~$9,313
• Rent (1BR in a safe, convenient area): $923 - $1,200 (We'll detail neighborhoods below)
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): $200 - $250 (Electricity is a big variable in our humid climate)
• Car Note/Insurance: $500 - $700 (Essential; Biloxi is a driving city)
• Groceries & Essentials: $400 - $500
• Dining & Entertainment: $300 - $500 (Plenty of great local spots, from Mary Mahoney's to dive bars on the Coast)
• Savings/Investment (20% of net): $1,860
• Discretionary/Other: Remaining ~$1,000

Can They Afford to Buy a Home? Absolutely. The median home price in the Biloxi area is around $185,000 - $210,000. With a solid down payment (10-20%), a monthly mortgage (including taxes and insurance) could range from $1,100 to $1,500. This is feasible for someone earning the median salary, especially with a dual-income household. Many marketing professionals here live in suburbs like D'Iberville or Ocean Springs and commute into Biloxi for work. The key is to avoid the immediate, high-premium beachfront properties unless that’s your non-negotiable priority.

Insider Tip: Don't underestimate the cost of hurricane insurance. It's a significant line item in your homeowners insurance and can add $100-$300/month to your mortgage. Factor this in from day one of your home search.

Where the Jobs Are: Biloxi's Major Employers

The job market for Marketing Managers is concentrated in a few key sectors. You're not going to find a dozen tech startups hiring, but you will find stable, well-paying roles with established companies. Here are the major players:

1. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino (MGM Resorts): The crown jewel of Biloxi's tourism industry. They have a large, in-house marketing team focusing on promotions, events, and player loyalty. Hiring trends show a consistent need for managers skilled in data analytics and digital campaign management to target the regional drive-market.
2. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi: Another major employer with a distinct, music-focused brand. Their marketing roles often involve event coordination and cross-promotion with the music memorabilia collection. They value creative, brand-forward thinkers.
3. Memorial Hospital at Gulfport (part of the Singing River Health System): This is a major healthcare employer for the entire Coast. Their marketing department handles public relations, community health campaigns, physician recruitment, and digital presence. The need for healthcare marketing expertise is steady and growing.
4. Keesler Federal Credit Union: One of the largest credit unions in the region, headquartered in Biloxi (with a major presence due to Keesler Air Force Base). They have a marketing team focused on member acquisition, financial education campaigns, and digital banking promotions. This is a great role for someone with financial services marketing experience.
5. Hancock Whitney Bank: A historic regional bank with its headquarters in Gulfport and major operations in Biloxi. Their marketing team works on brand strategy, commercial banking promotions, and community engagement. This is a corporate-style role within a local company.
6. The City of Biloxi: Government marketing is a niche but stable field. The city's marketing department handles tourism promotion, public information campaigns, event marketing (like the famous "Crawfish Music Festival"), and resident communications. It requires a blend of creativity and bureaucratic savvy.
7. Local Marketing Agencies: Firms like The Vertex Companies (though more PR-focused) and smaller digital shops serve the local and regional client base. These are often the entry points for newer professionals and offer broad experience.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward specialization. Generalists are less in demand than managers with proven skills in one of these areas: digital marketing (SEO/SEM, social media), data analytics (proving ROI on ad spend), or healthcare marketing compliance. If you have a certification in Google Analytics or HIPAA marketing guidelines, you have an edge.

Getting Licensed in MS

This is a straightforward area, which is a relief. Mississippi does not have a state-specific license for Marketing Managers. The field is considered a professional business role, not a regulated practice like law or medicine.

State-Specific Requirements and Costs:

• None. You do not need a state license to work as a Marketing Manager in Mississippi.
• Professional Certifications (Optional but Recommended): While not legally required, certifications from reputable bodies can significantly boost your credibility and salary potential. These are national certifications, but they are recognized and valued by Biloxi employers.
  • Digital Marketing Certifications: Google Analytics, Google Ads, HubSpot Inbound Marketing. Cost: $0-$500 for the exams/courses.
  • Professional Certifications: The American Marketing Association (AMA) offers the Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) credential. Cost: $400 for members, $600 for non-members (plus exam fees).
  • Industry-Specific: For healthcare marketing, a certification in healthcare marketing or compliance can be valuable.

Timeline to Get Started:
There is no "licensing timeline." Your timeline is your job search. If you are moving to Biloxi, the most critical steps are:

1. Update your LinkedIn and resume with Biloxi-specific keywords (e.g., "hospitality marketing," "tourism promotion," "regional healthcare marketing").
2. Research the companies listed above and set up job alerts.
3. Network. The Biloxi business community is tight-knit. Attend events hosted by the Gulf Coast Business Council or the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce. A personal introduction goes a long way.

Best Neighborhoods for Marketing Managers

Biloxi and its surrounding areas offer a variety of lifestyles. Your choice will depend on your commute, budget, and personal preferences.

1. East Biloxi / Point Cadet: This is the heart of the casino action and where many marketing managers for the resorts choose to live. You can walk to work. It's vibrant, with great local restaurants and bars. The housing stock is a mix of older cottages and newer condos.
   • Commute to Major Employers: 0-10 minutes to Beau Rivage, Hard Rock, etc.
   • Lifestyle: High-energy, tourist-centric, walkable.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,000 - $1,400 (higher due to location).
2. D'Iberville: Just north of Biloxi, this is a booming suburban area. It's home to the D'Ibilerville Town Center shopping and dining hub. Excellent for young professionals and families, with newer apartment complexes and single-family homes.
   • Commute to Major Employers: 10-20 minutes to downtown Biloxi.
   • Lifestyle: Suburban, family-friendly, more space.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $950 - $1,200.
3. Ocean Springs: A separate city, but a major cultural and residential hub for Biloxi professionals. Known for its artsy vibe, walkable downtown, and beautiful beaches. It offers a higher quality of life but a slightly longer commute.
   • Commute to Major Employers: 15-25 minutes to Biloxi.
   • Lifestyle: Artsy, beach-town feel, excellent dining and festivals.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,100 - $1,500 (premium for the location).
4. Gulfport (West Gulfport): The state's second-largest city, adjacent to Biloxi. It's more affordable and offers a broader range of amenities. The area near the Cross Roads Shopping Center is popular. The commute to Biloxi is straightforward via Highway 90.
   • Commute to Major Employers: 15-25 minutes to Biloxi.
   • Lifestyle: Practical, affordable, with easy access to the beach and I-10.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $900 - $1,150.

Insider Tip: Traffic on Highway 90 can be brutal during tourist season (spring break, summer) and event weekends. Living east of the Biloxi Bay Bridge (in D'Iberville or Ocean Springs) means you're commuting against the heaviest casino traffic if you work in Biloxi. It's a small but meaningful advantage.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Biloxi, career growth for a Marketing Manager isn't about rapid promotions every two years. It's about deepening your expertise and taking on more strategic responsibility.

Specialty Premiums:

• Casino/Hospitality Marketing: This is the premium specialty. Managers who can demonstrate success in driving hotel occupancy, casino database growth, and event attendance command top-tier salaries, often at or above the $152,560 median.
• Healthcare Marketing: A growing field with stable demand. Expertise in patient acquisition and regulatory-compliant marketing (HIPAA) is a significant advantage.
• Digital/Analytics Specialist: Regardless of industry, the manager who can say, "I increased our Facebook ad ROI by 30%" or "I grew our email list by 5,000 qualified leads" is invaluable. This is a path to seniority.

Advancement Paths:

1. Marketing Manager -> Senior Marketing Manager -> Director of Marketing: This is the classic corporate ladder, available in larger organizations like Memorial Hospital or Hancock Whitney.
2. Marketing Manager -> Marketing Director (Agency/Consulting): Some professionals leverage their local industry knowledge to start their own boutique consultancy, serving the small business market that can't afford full-time marketing staff.
3. Marketing Manager -> VP of Marketing (Regional): The top tier. This role exists at the few headquarters-level companies on the Coast, like Keesler FCU or major casino properties. It involves overseeing the entire marketing department and budget.

10-Year Outlook:
The 8% job growth is a realistic forecast. The market will not see explosive growth, but it will see consistent evolution. The biggest driver will be the digital transformation of traditional industries. The casino will need more data-driven marketers. The hospital will need more content marketers. The bank will need more digital-channel managers. Your long-term success in Biloxi is tied to your ability to adapt traditional marketing skills to a digital-first world, all while understanding the unique coastal economy.

The Verdict: Is Biloxi Right for You?

Biloxi isn't for everyone, but for the right professional, it offers a compelling quality of life and a stable career path.

Pros	Cons
High purchasing power due to low cost of living ($152,560 goes far).	Limited job market (only 98 jobs). You can't be picky.
Stable, industry-driven employers (casinos, healthcare, government).	Salaries slightly below national average (though COL-adjusted).
Unique, vibrant culture with incredible food, festivals, and beaches.	Susceptible to seasonal and economic fluctuations (tourism, hurricane season).
Short, manageable commutes in most neighborhoods.	Can feel like a "closed network"; networking is essential.
Opportunity to buy a home at a reasonable price.	Limited in large-scale corporate HQ roles; you're often in a regional office.

Final Recommendation:
Biloxi is an excellent choice for a Marketing Manager who:

• Values work-life balance and a unique coastal lifestyle over being in a cutthroat, hyper-competitive major metro.
• Has a specialty or wants to develop one in hospitality, healthcare, or regional banking.
• Is financially savvy and appreciates the strong purchasing power a $152,560 salary provides in this market.
• Is patient, values stability, and is willing to network to find the right opportunity.

If you're a generalist who needs a constant stream of new job openings and rapid career jumps, you may find Biloxi restrictive. But if you're looking to build a deep, respected career while enjoying a lifestyle that many only dream of, the numbers and the reality on the ground here align perfectly.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for Marketing Managers in Biloxi?
A: It's competitive, but in a specific way. With only 98 jobs in the metro, openings don't appear daily. When they do, hiring managers often look for candidates with prior local or regional experience.