The Biloxi Medical Assistant Career Guide: A Local's Deep Dive

If you're a Medical Assistant (MA) looking at Biloxi, you're not just eyeing a job—you're considering a lifestyle change in a city that's equal parts historic charm, coastal beauty, and hardworking community. As a local who's watched the healthcare landscape evolve here, I'll give you the unvarnished truth. This isn't a glowing brochure; it's a data-driven analysis of what your career and life in Biloxi would actually look like, from the paycheck to the commute.

The Salary Picture: Where Biloxi Stands

Let's start with the most critical number: your income. In Biloxi, the financial reality for a Medical Assistant is a mix of affordability and modest earnings. The median salary for a Medical Assistant in Biloxi is $37,041 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.81. Compared to the national average of $38,270, you’re earning slightly less—about 3% below the U.S. norm. This gap is typical for the Gulf Coast region, where the cost of living offsets the slightly lower pay.

To understand your earning potential over time, here’s a breakdown based on experience levels common in our local market:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Annual Salary Range (Biloxi)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$32,000 - $36,500	Phlebotomy, basic vitals, appointment scheduling, patient intake
Mid-Career	3-5 years	$36,500 - $40,000	Managing clinical workflows, assisting with minor procedures, EHR proficiency
Senior/Lead	6-10 years	$40,000 - $45,000+	Training new MAs, managing inventory, complex patient coordination
Expert/Specialized	10+ years	$45,000 - $50,000+	Specialty clinic focus (e.g., cardiology, orthopedics), clinical lead roles

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local job postings and industry reports. Specializing in a high-demand area can push you toward the upper end.

How does Biloxi stack up against other Mississippi cities? It’s a mixed bag.

• Jackson, MS (Capital City): Salaries for MAs are typically 5-7% higher due to a larger concentration of major hospital systems and a higher cost of living. The median is closer to $39,000.
• Gulfport, MS (Biloxi’s Neighbor): Salaries are nearly identical to Biloxi—often within $500 annually of each other. The job market is interconnected; many professionals work in one city and live in the other.
• Hattiesburg, MS: Home to a large university and medical center, salaries here can be slightly higher than Biloxi, but the difference is marginal for entry-level positions.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. Many Biloxi healthcare employers, especially the larger hospitals, offer shift differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends. This can add $1.50 to $3.00 per hour to your base pay, significantly boosting your annual earnings if you’re open to non-traditional hours.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until you see what’s left for rent, groceries, and savings. Biloxi’s secret weapon is its low cost of living. With a Cost of Living Index of 89.3 (where the U.S. average is 100), your dollar stretches further here than in most of the country.

Let’s break down a monthly budget for an MA earning the median salary of $37,041. For this example, we’ll assume a single filer with standard deductions.

Monthly Take-Home Pay:

• Gross Monthly Pay: $37,041 / 12 = $3,086.75
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~22% = -$679.08
• Net Monthly Pay (Take-Home): ~$2,407.67

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Average Rent (1-Bedroom Apartment): -$923.00
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): -$180.00
• Groceries & Household: -$350.00
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas (Biloxi is car-dependent): -$400.00
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered by employer): -$150.00
• Miscellaneous (Phone, Personal, Entertainment): -$250.00
• Remaining / Savings: ~$154.67

Can you afford to buy a home? It’s tight but possible with careful planning and a partner’s income. The median home price in Biloxi is around $180,000. With a 3.5% down payment ($6,300) and a 30-year mortgage, your monthly payment (including taxes, insurance, and PMI) would be roughly $1,300-$1,400. This would consume over 55% of your net monthly income alone, which is not financially advisable on a single MA salary. However, dual-income households or those who advance to senior/lead roles (earning $40,000+) will find homeownership much more attainable in the Biloxi market.

Insider Tip: Many apartments in Biloxi, especially in the older, charming neighborhoods like Point Cadet or near the Back Bay, include certain utilities in the rent. Always ask about this when apartment hunting—it can save you $50-$100 a month.

Where the Jobs Are: Biloxi's Major Employers

Biloxi’s healthcare sector is anchored by a few key players. The job market is stable, with 98 Medical Assistant positions typically open in the metro area at any given time. Hiring trends show a steady demand, driven by an aging population and the expansion of community health clinics.

Here are the primary employers you need to know:

1. Memorial Hospital at Gulfport (Serving Biloxi): While technically in Gulfport, it's the largest hospital system in the immediate area and a major employer for Biloxi residents. They have a wide range of clinics, from primary care to specialized surgery centers. Hiring is consistent, and they offer strong benefits.
2. Keesler Air Force Base Clinic (Biloxi): A unique federal employer. Hiring is competitive and often requires specific certifications and background checks. The patient population (active-duty military and families) is stable, and benefits are excellent. Insider Tip: They often post jobs on USAJobs.gov, not just commercial job boards.
3. Coastal Family Health Center (Multiple Biloxi Locations): A critical Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) providing care to underserved populations. They have a high need for MAs, especially those fluent in Spanish. They offer loan repayment programs for eligible employees.
4. Biloxi Internal Medicine & Associates: A large private practice that serves a significant portion of the senior population in the area. They value MAs with strong phlebotomy and EHR (Electronic Health Record) skills, often using NextGen or a similar platform.
5. Ochsner Health System: Ochsner has been expanding its presence on the Gulf Coast, including clinics in Biloxi. They are a growing employer with a corporate structure, offering clear paths for advancement within their larger system.
6. Biloxi Veterans Affairs (VA) Clinic: Another federal employer with a stable patient base. Hiring can be slow due to government processes, but the jobs are highly secure with great federal benefits.
7. Local Dermatology and Orthopedic Practices: Stand-alone specialty clinics like Gulf Coast Dermatology or Orthopedic South frequently hire MAs. These positions often pay a premium ($1-3/hour more than primary care) due to the specialized nature of the work.

Getting Licensed in Mississippi

Mississippi has clear, straightforward requirements for Medical Assistants. The state does not require national certification to work, but most employers strongly prefer or require it.

1. Education: Complete an accredited Medical Assistant program. These typically take 9-12 months and cost between $3,000 and $8,000. Local options include Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) and several private career schools.
2. Certification (Highly Recommended):
   • Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
   • Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) through the American Medical Technologists (AMT).
   • Exam Cost: Approximately $120-$200.
3. Background Check: All healthcare employers will require a clean background check and drug screening ($50-$100).
4. Timeline: From starting a program to being job-ready, expect 10-15 months. If you already have experience and just need to get certified, you can be job-searching in 1-3 months after passing your exam.

Mississippi State Board of Nursing oversees some MA tasks (like phlebotomy), but for general MA practice, there is no separate state license. Your certification is your professional credential.

Best Neighborhoods for Medical Assistants

Biloxi is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own vibe. Your choice will depend on your commute, lifestyle, and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Best For...
East Biloxi (Near Keesler)	Quiet, residential, near the base. 10-15 min commute to most clinics.	$850 - $950	MAs working at the VA or Keesler clinic. Families seeking a quiet life.
Downtown / Point Cadet	Historic, walkable, near entertainment. 5-15 min commute. Can be noisy.	$900 - $1,100	Young professionals who want nightlife and culture close by.
North Biloxi / Back Bay	Working-class, authentic, good local eateries. 15-20 min commute to hospitals.	$800 - $900	Budget-conscious MAs who want a true local feel.
Gulfport (Just West)	Larger city feel, more retail/dining options. 15-25 min commute to Biloxi employers.	$925 - $1,050	Those who want more urban amenities but don’t mind a short drive.
Ocean Springs (East)	Artsy, upscale, small-town charm. 20-30 min commute to Biloxi clinics.	$950 - $1,150	MAs with higher income or a partner’s salary who prioritize quality of life.

Insider Tip: Traffic on Highway 90 (the main coastal road) can be congested during tourist season (spring/summer). If you work in East Biloxi, living in Ocean Springs can add 10 minutes to your commute but offers a significant lifestyle upgrade.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career in Biloxi doesn’t have to stagnate. Strategic moves can lead to higher pay and more responsibility.

• Specialty Premiums: As noted, specialty clinics (cardiology, orthopedics, dermatology) often pay $1-$3 more per hour than primary care. The work is more focused, and you develop deeper expertise.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Lead MA: Oversee other MAs in a clinic, manage schedules and supplies. (Salary: $40,000+)
  • Clinical Supervisor/Manager: Move into administration, managing staff, budgets, and operations. (Salary: $45,000 - $55,000+)
  • Education/Training: Become a clinical instructor at MGCCC or a private school. (Varies, often salaried)
  • Transition to Nursing: Many MAs use their experience as a stepping stone to become LPNs or RNs, a common path with higher earning potential.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 10-year job growth for MAs in the Biloxi metro is projected at 15%, which is strong and reflects the national trend of an aging population and the expansion of outpatient care. Job security is high, but wages may not see dramatic increases without specialization or advancement.

The Verdict: Is Biloxi Right for You?

The decision to move to Biloxi for a medical assisting career is a trade-off. You gain a low cost of living and a stable, community-focused job market, but you sacrifice the higher earning potential found in larger cities.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further here.	Lower Median Salary: $37,041 is below the national average.
Strong Job Market: 15% growth and stable employers.	Limited High-Paying Specialties: Fewer top-tier specialty clinics than in major metros.
Unique Lifestyle: Beach access, historic sites, Southern charm.	Car Dependency: You need a reliable vehicle.
Manageable Commutes: Traffic is minimal compared to big cities.	Fewer Employers: Less job-hopping opportunity; the market is dominated by a few large players.
Tight-Knit Healthcare Community: Easier to network and build relationships.	Hurricane Risk: A real factor for coastal living, requiring preparedness.

Final Recommendation: Biloxi is an excellent choice for the budget-conscious Medical Assistant who values work-life balance, community, and coastal living over maximizing income. It’s ideal for those with 0-5 years of experience looking to build a stable career foundation. If your primary goal is to earn the highest possible salary, you may be better served in Jackson or a larger coastal city like New Orleans. For a sustainable, enjoyable career with a high quality of life, Biloxi is a compelling and practical option.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car in Biloxi?
Yes, absolutely. Public transportation is very limited, and healthcare employers are spread out across the city and into Gulfport. A reliable car is a non-negotiable requirement for this career path here.

2. What is the biggest challenge for new MAs in Biloxi?
The biggest challenge is often the initial adjustment to the salary if you’re coming from a higher-cost area. Budgeting carefully and taking advantage of shift differentials is key to making the finances work. The second challenge is the humidity and heat, especially if you’re not used to the Gulf Coast climate.

3. Are there opportunities for remote or telehealth work?
Very few. Biloxi’s healthcare system is still largely in-person. Some administrative tasks (like scheduling or medical coding) might be remote, but core clinical MA duties require you to be on-site. This is not a market for remote clinical roles.

4. How does hurricane season affect healthcare jobs?
Healthcare is critical infrastructure. Hospitals and clinics have robust emergency plans. While a major storm can cause temporary closures, jobs are secure. The main impact is on your personal life—having a storm plan, insurance, and an emergency fund is part of living on the Gulf Coast.

5. Is certification worth the cost in Mississippi?
Yes, 100%. While not legally required, nearly all reputable employers in Biloxi list CMA or RMA as a "preferred" or "required" qualification. It makes you a competitive candidate, often leading to a higher starting salary and more job options. The investment pays for itself quickly.