Pharmacist in Gulfport, MS

The Salary Picture: Where Gulfport Stands

As a career analyst who’s watched Gulfport’s job market for years, the first thing you need to know is that our local pharmacy salaries are a tale of two economies. On one hand, you’re in a lower cost-of-living region where your paycheck stretches further. On the other, the salary numbers themselves sit slightly below the national average. Let’s break it down.

For Pharmacists in Gulfport, the median salary is $131,663 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $63.3/hour. This is for the broader Gulfport-Biloxi metro area, which includes surrounding Harrison County. The national average for Pharmacists is $136,030 per year, so you’re looking at a differential of about $4,367 annually. That gap is significant, but it’s crucial to view it through the lens of Gulfport’s cost of living, which is considerably lower than the national average.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the local market. These are estimates based on local job postings and industry data, but they align with the overall median.

Experience Level	Typical Gulfport Salary Range	Key Factors in Our Market
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$115,000 - $125,000	Often starts at large chains or hospital systems. Strong sign-on bonuses are common to attract talent.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$125,000 - $140,000	Moves into clinical roles, specialty pharmacy, or independent practice. This is where you hit the median.
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$140,000 - $160,000	Leadership roles (Pharmacy Manager, Clinical Coordinator), consulting, or niche specialties.
Expert (15+ yrs)	$160,000+	Director-level positions, corporate pharmacy roles, or owning an independent pharmacy. Highly variable.

When you compare Gulfport to other Mississippi cities, it’s a mixed bag. Gulfport’s median salary of $131,663 is solidly in the middle of the pack for the state. It’s higher than the average in smaller cities like Laurel or Hattiesburg but can be slightly lower than what you might find in the state capital, Jackson, which has a higher concentration of large hospital systems and corporate headquarters. The 10-year job growth for Pharmacists in the metro is -3%, a figure driven by national trends like automation and retail consolidation, rather than a lack of local demand. The jobs in metro count of 145 means the market is tight but stable—you’re not competing against thousands of openings, but the opportunities that exist are steady.

Insider Tip: Don’t fixate on the national average salary. A pharmacist earning $131,663 in Gulfport has more purchasing power than one earning $136,030 in a city like Atlanta or Houston. The real question is the total compensation package, which in Gulfport often includes robust benefits and a much lower tax burden.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. What does a $131,663 salary actually mean for your day-to-day life in Gulfport? First, we’ll estimate your take-home pay after federal and state taxes (Mississippi has a progressive income tax). For a single filer with no dependents, standard deductions, you’re looking at an approximate net monthly income of $8,200 - $8,500. This is a conservative estimate; your actual take-home will depend on your 401(k) contributions, health insurance premiums, etc.

Here’s a sample monthly budget breakdown:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes for Gulfport
Net Monthly Income (after taxes)	$8,300	Based on $131,663 annual salary.
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$923	The citywide average for a 1-bedroom.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$250 - $350	Higher in summer due to AC; lower in winter.
Groceries	$400 - $500	Comparable to national averages.
Car Payment & Insurance	$450 - $600	Gulfport is car-dependent; insurance rates are moderate.
Health Insurance & Misc.	$400	Employer-sponsored plans are common.
Discretionary / Savings	$3,000+	This is the key. After essentials, you have significant room.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in the Gulfport area is approximately $250,000 - $280,000. With a strong down payment (20%), a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely be between $1,400 and $1,700. This is highly manageable on a $131,663 salary, especially given the low cost of living index of 89.3 (US avg = 100). You would still have over $5,000 in leftover monthly income after housing and essentials, allowing for aggressive savings and debt repayment.

Insider Tip: Many Pharmacists in Gulfport use their strong local purchasing power to pay off student loans quickly or build a second income stream (like consulting or part-time clinical work) within 5-7 years of moving. The financial runway here is exceptional compared to coastal hubs.

Where the Jobs Are: Gulfport's Major Employers

Gulfport’s pharmacy job market is anchored by a handful of major employers, with a smattering of independent and niche opportunities. The jobs in metro (145) are concentrated in these specific organizations. Hiring trends show a steady demand for Clinical Pharmacists in hospital settings and a consistent need for retail managers, though the latter segment is flat due to national trends.

1. Memorial Hospital at Gulfport (Biloxi): The largest employer in the region. They have a robust inpatient pharmacy and a growing ambulatory care clinic. They actively hire Clinical Pharmacists, particularly for their ICU, oncology, and anticoagulation services. Hiring is most active in Q1 and Q3.
2. Gulfport Memorial Hospital System (Biloxi): Often confused with the above, this is part of the larger Singing River Health System. They have a strong focus on rural health and offer opportunities in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Good for those seeking a community hospital feel.
3. Keesler Air Force Base Hospital (Biloxi): A federal facility with unique opportunities for Pharmacists. Positions here often require a security clearance but offer excellent federal benefits and stable hours. The hiring process is slower but highly competitive.
4. Walgreens & CVS Health: Both have a significant retail presence throughout Harrison County. These are the primary sources of entry-level and retail management roles. While corporate-driven, they offer structured training and pathways into district management. Turnover can be high in retail, creating openings.
5. Baptist Health System (Jackson-based, but serves Gulf Coast): While their main hub is in Jackson, they have outpatient clinics and partnerships throughout the Gulf Coast. Look for specialty pharmacy or oncology pharmacy roles tied to their network.
6. Independent Pharmacies (e.g., D’Iberville Pharmacy, Gulf Coast Pharmacy): There are several reputable independents in the area. These often offer the most clinical freedom and direct patient interaction. Hiring is less frequent but can be a great fit for a seasoned Pharmacist seeking autonomy.
7. VA Gulf Coast Healthcare System (Biloxi): Another federal option with a strong focus on geriatric and chronic disease management. Veterans Affairs positions are highly sought after for their benefits and work-life balance.

Insider Tip: Network with the Pharmacy Directors at Memorial and Keesler. Even if there’s no opening today, sending a targeted LinkedIn note expressing interest can put you on their radar. Many local jobs are filled through referrals before they’re ever posted publicly.

Getting Licensed in MS

Mississippi’s licensing process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The primary governing body is the Mississippi State Board of Pharmacy.

Requirements:

1. Graduation: A Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from an ACPE-accredited program.
2. Examinations:
   • Pass the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE) for Mississippi.
   • Pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX).
   • If you’re a foreign graduate, you may need to pass the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC) Certification.
3. Internship Hours: You must complete a minimum of 1,500 internship hours under a preceptor approved by the Mississippi Board. This is typically done during your Pharm.D. program.
4. Background Check: A fingerprint-based criminal background check is required.

Costs & Timeline:

• Application Fee: Approximately $215 (this can change; always check the Board’s website).
• Examination Fees: NAPLEX ($600) + MPJE ($200) = $800.
• Total Estimated Cost (excluding education): $1,000 - $1,200.
• Timeline: Once you have all documents (transcripts, FPGEC if applicable), the process typically takes 4-8 weeks for the Board to review and issue a license after you pass both exams. It’s advisable to apply for your intern license early in your final year.

Insider Tip: The Mississippi MPJE is known for being heavily focused on state-specific regulations regarding controlled substances and pharmacy operation. Purchase the official study materials from the Board and consider a dedicated MPJE prep course. It’s the most common hurdle for out-of-state applicants.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Gulfport is a sprawling coastal city. Your choice of neighborhood will impact your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of top areas for Pharmacy professionals.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Why It’s Good for Pharmacists
Long Beach	Quiet, family-friendly, beach adjacent. A 15-min commute to Memorial Hospital.	$950 - $1,150	Excellent schools, low crime, and a strong sense of community. Perfect for those seeking a calm home base.
Gulfport Hills / Orange Grove	Residential, suburban feel. Central location, 10-15 min commute to most employers.	$875 - $1,050	More affordable, with easy access to I-10 and Highway 49. Great for buyers looking for space.
Biloxi (East End)	Historic, vibrant, with a mix of old and new. 5-10 min commute to Keesler & Biloxi hospitals.	$900 - $1,200	Closer to the casino entertainment district and beaches. Ideal for younger Pharmacists who want an active social scene.
D’Iberville	Growing suburb north of Biloxi. 15-20 min commute to Gulfport.	$850 - $1,000	Newer developments, good shopping (The Promenade), and slightly lower rent. A practical choice for commuters.
Pass Christian	Small, upscale coastal town 20 minutes west of Gulfport.	$975 - $1,250	For those who prioritize a tight-knit community and a slower pace. A longer commute but high quality of life.

Insider Tip: If you’re considering a hospital role at Memorial, Long Beach offers the shortest, most straightforward commute via Highway 90. For Keesler or Biloxi-based jobs, the East End of Biloxi is unbeatable for minimizing drive time in coastal traffic.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career trajectory in Gulfport will likely diverge from the national norm. With 10-year job growth at -3%, advancement is less about horizontal job-hopping and more about vertical specialization and leadership.

• Specialty Premiums: There is a notable gap in pay for specialized roles. A Clinical Pharmacist in Oncology or Infectious Diseases can command a salary $10,000 - $20,000 above the median, especially in hospital settings. Specialty pharmacy roles (e.g., with companies like Accredo or local specialty distributors) are emerging as a growth area.
• Advancement Paths: The most common path is from Staff Pharmacist to Pharmacy Manager (retail or hospital), then to Clinical Coordinator, and finally to Director of Pharmacy. In Gulfport, reaching a Director role often requires 10-15 years of experience, but the path is clear. Another viable path is into Informatics, helping to manage electronic health records and pharmacy systems, which is a growing need at larger hospitals.
• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is stable, not explosive. Automation and mail-order will continue to pressure retail roles, but the demand for clinical, patient-facing services (like medication therapy management, chronic disease management, and immunizations) will grow. The aging population on the Gulf Coast ensures steady demand in hospital and geriatric settings. The key will be diversifying your skillset beyond dispensing.

Insider Tip: Consider pursuing board certification (BCPS, BCACP) as soon as you’re eligible. In Gulfport’s smaller job market, having a specialty credential can make you a top candidate for the few advanced roles that open up and can justify a premium salary.

The Verdict: Is Gulfport Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your $131,663 salary provides a lifestyle that would require $180,000+ in many major metros.	Below-National-Average Salary: The raw salary number is lower, which can impact long-term wealth accumulation versus high-paying regions.
Stable, Predictable Job Market: The 145 jobs are concentrated in reliable institutions like hospitals and federal facilities.	Limited Job Variety: The market is small. Specialties like pediatrics or major academic research are scarce.
Outdoor Lifestyle & Climate: Year-round golfing, fishing, and beach access. A major perk for work-life balance.	Hot, Humid Summers: Can be oppressive for 4-5 months of the year, limiting outdoor activity.
Strong Community Feel: You’re not a number. Networking is personal and relationships matter.	Hurricane Risk: A real consideration. Flood insurance is a must for homeowners.
Strategic Location: Easy access to New Orleans, Mobile, and Florida for travel and professional events.	Limited High-End Retail/Dining: While improving, the cultural and culinary scene is smaller than in a major city.

Final Recommendation:
Gulfport is an excellent choice for Pharmacists who prioritize financial stability, work-life balance, and a lower-stress environment over maximizing salary potential. It’s ideal for early-career Pharmacists looking to pay off debt quickly, mid-career professionals seeking a family-friendly community, or experienced Pharmacists ready to slow down without sacrificing professional engagement. If you crave the energy of a major metropolitan area, a wide variety of specialty options, or a fast-paced career ladder, Gulfport might feel limiting. But if you value your time, your money, and the coast, it’s a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market in Gulfport?
The market is competitive but not overcrowded. With only 145 jobs in the metro, openings are filled quickly. Being licensed and having a clean record is essential. For hospital roles, clinical experience and certifications (like BCGP or BCPS) are significant differentiators. For retail, management experience is key.

2. Is the Gulfport area prone to hurricanes?
Yes, being on the Gulf Coast, it is. However, the infrastructure and community preparedness are robust. Most newer construction is built to stricter codes. It’s critical to budget for wind and flood insurance (which can add $1,500-$3,000 annually to homeownership costs). Pharmacies, especially hospitals, have disaster plans and often resume operations quickly.

3. Are there opportunities for part-time or PRN work?
Yes. The hospital systems (Memorial, Singing River) regularly hire PRN (as-needed) Pharmacists to cover vacations and leaves. This can be a great way to supplement income or transition into a role. Retail chains also have per-diem needs, though less structured.

4. What’s the commute like in the Gulfport-Biloxi area?
Traffic is generally manageable compared to large cities. The main arteries are Highway 90 (along the beach) and I-10. A 15-20 minute commute is typical for most neighborhoods to major employers. However, during tourist season (spring and summer) and around holidays, traffic on Highway 90 can slow significantly.

5. How important is it to have a network before moving?
While not absolutely mandatory, it’s highly beneficial. The Gulfport pharmacy community is tight-knit. Joining the Mississippi Pharmacists Association (MPhA) and the Gulf Coast Pharmacy Association can provide immediate connections. Attending a local meeting or sending a few targeted LinkedIn messages before you move can uncover opportunities not listed online.