Plumber in Biloxi, MS

The Salary Picture: Where Biloxi Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Biloxi’s plumbing market is shaped by two things: a massive aging housing stock and a relentless coastal climate. Salt air and humidity chew through pipes, and our historic homes—many built before modern codes—create a steady demand for repiping and upgrades. Let’s break down the numbers.

The median salary for a plumber in Biloxi is $61,316/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $29.48/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $63,350/year, which makes sense given Biloxi’s lower cost of living. The metro area (which includes Gulfport and the broader Coast) has 98 jobs listed for plumbers, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 6%. This isn’t explosive growth, but it’s steady and reliable—driven by the constant need for maintenance, renovation, and new construction in a tourist-driven economy.

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

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes for Biloxi
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$45,000 - $52,000	Often starts as a helper. Focus on learning codes, trenching, and basic installations.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$61,316 (Median)	Can work independently on residential and light commercial jobs. Licensed journeyman.
Senior (8-15 years)	$70,000 - $80,000	Often leads crews, handles complex commercial work, or specializes.
Expert (15+ years)	$80,000+	Business owners, master plumbers with specialty licenses, or niche experts (medical gas, industrial).

Compared to other cities in Mississippi, Biloxi sits in the middle. Jackson, the state capital, often has higher salaries due to more industrial and state government work, but the cost of living is also higher. On the Gulf Coast, Gulfport is nearly identical in pay and opportunity, while smaller towns like Pascagoula or Ocean Springs might have fewer jobs but similar wage ranges. For a plumber who values a coastal lifestyle without the intense competition of a larger city, Biloxi is a solid choice.

Insider Tip: The median salary of $61,316 is a good benchmark. If you’re being offered less, question it—especially if you’re licensed. The best employers here pay above median for reliable, licensed journeyman plumbers, particularly those with commercial experience.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. The median salary of $61,316 breaks down to about $5,110/month before taxes. After federal, state (MS has a flat 4.75% income tax), and FICA (7.65%), your take-home pay will be closer to $4,200 - $4,400/month. This is a rough estimate, but it’s a solid baseline.

Now, let’s budget with Biloxi’s cost of living.

• Average 1BR Rent: $923/month
• Cost of Living Index: 89.3 (US avg = 100). This means you get about 10.7% more purchasing power than the national average.

Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a plumber earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$4,300	After taxes.
Rent (1BR)	$923	This can vary from $750 in older areas to $1,200+ in new complexes.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$220	Gulf Coast electricity can be high in summer due to AC.
Car Payment & Insurance	$450	A necessity in Biloxi; public transit is limited.
Gas & Maintenance	$200	Commuting to job sites across the Coast.
Groceries & Essentials	$400	Biloxi has competitive grocery prices (Walmart, Winn-Dixie).
Health Insurance	$300	Varies widely, but this is a typical employer contribution.
Miscellaneous/Leisure	$500	Eating out, entertainment, savings.
Remaining Buffer	$1,307	This is your safety net for emergencies, savings, or debt.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a buffer of over $1,300/month after essentials, saving for a down payment is feasible. The median home price in Biloxi is around $180,000. A 20% down payment would be $36,000. With disciplined saving ($800-$1,000/month), a plumber could save that in 3-4 years. A mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $180,000 home would likely be around $1,200-$1,400/month, which is manageable on the median salary. Insider Tip: Many locals buy in areas like North Biloxi or the Back Bay, where prices are lower, and the commute to job sites on the coast is still reasonable.

Where the Jobs Are: Biloxi's Major Employers

The job market here is a mix of residential service companies, commercial contractors, and industrial facilities. Here are the key players:

1. Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Drain Service: A national franchise with a strong local presence. They handle a high volume of residential emergency calls. Hiring Trend: Consistent. They need reliable technicians who can work fast and independently. Good entry point for service work.
2. Coastal Plumbing & Mechanical: A large local contractor focused on commercial and industrial projects, including work for the casinos and healthcare facilities. Hiring Trend: They seek licensed journeyman and master plumbers for commercial bids. This is where the higher-end commercial work is.
3. Keesler Air Force Base: A massive federal employer. The base uses civilian plumbing contractors for facility maintenance and new construction. Hiring Trend: Stable. Contractors need clearances, but the work is steady and pays well. Many local firms have contracts here.
4. Memorial Hospital at Gulfport (serves Biloxi): A major healthcare facility requiring specialized plumbing systems (medical gas, backflow prevention). Hiring Trend: They often hire through contractors for renovations and maintenance. Having a medical gas certification is a huge plus here.
5. Casino Complexes (Beau Rivage, Hard Rock, etc.): These are 24/7 operations with complex plumbing needs. They often hire in-house maintenance staff or use preferred local contractors. Hiring Trend: Hiring is tied to renovation cycles. When a casino does a major remodel, there’s a surge in contract jobs.
6. Local Residential Builders: Firms like D.R. Horton and local custom home builders are active. Hiring Trend: Tied to the real estate market. With Biloxi’s population growth, new construction remains steady. They need plumbers for rough-in and finish work.
7. City of Biloxi Public Works: For those interested in municipal work. Hiring Trend: More competitive, as these are government jobs with benefits, but openings do occur for maintenance and capital projects.

Getting Licensed in MS

Mississippi has a straightforward but mandatory licensing system through the Mississippi State Board of Plumbing Examiners.

• Requirements: You must be a Licensed Journeyman Plumber to work independently. To get that, you need:
  • 4 years of experience as an apprentice under a licensed plumber.
  • Proof of completing an approved apprenticeship program (like the one through the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College or a union program).
  • Passing the journeyman exam (national code-based, administered in Jackson).
• Costs: The exam fee is $100. The license itself is $100, renewed every 2 years. Apprenticeship programs may have tuition costs, but many are tuition-free or employer-sponsored.
• Timeline: If you’re starting from zero, plan for 4-5 years to become a licensed journeyman. If you’re already licensed in another state, Mississippi has reciprocity with several states (check the Board’s website for specifics). The process to transfer a license can take 2-3 months.
• Insider Tip: The Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in Perkinston (about 30 minutes from Biloxi) has a top-rated HVAC and plumbing program. It’s the best local path for structured training. Do not work for cash or unlicensed; the fines are steep, and in a tight-knit industry, your reputation is everything.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute and daily life. Here’s a local’s guide:

1. North Biloxi / Eagle Point: This is a popular residential area with a mix of older homes and new subdivisions. It’s inland, so it’s less vulnerable to storm surge. Commute: Easy access to I-10, 10-15 minutes to most job sites. Lifestyle: Quiet, family-friendly. Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,000 for a 1BR.
2. Back Bay / East Biloxi: Closer to the water and the casino corridor. Lots of older homes needing repiping. Commute: Very central; you can get anywhere in 10 minutes. Lifestyle: More urban, near entertainment. Rent Estimate: $750 - $1,100 (varies widely by condition).
3. D’Iberville (just north of Biloxi): A growing suburb with great schools and new shopping centers. Commute: 15-20 minutes to Biloxi job sites via Highway 67 or I-10. Lifestyle: Suburban, family-oriented. Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200 for a 1BR.
4. Ocean Springs: A separate town, but only a 15-minute drive east. Known for its artsy vibe and historic downtown. Commute: 15-25 minutes to Biloxi job sites. Lifestyle: More touristy, walkable, and charming. Rent is slightly higher: $950 - $1,300 for a 1BR.
5. Gulfport: Technically a different city, but the job markets are identical. Commute: 10-20 minutes to Biloxi depending on traffic. Lifestyle: Similar to Biloxi, with a slightly larger population and more big-box stores. Rent: Comparable, $900 - $1,100.

Insider Tip: If you work primarily in the casino corridor or East Biloxi, living in North Biloxi is ideal. It’s cheaper, safer, and you avoid the tourist traffic on Highway 90.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumber’s career in Biloxi isn’t just about tightening pipes; it’s about specialization and business acumen.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest pay jumps come from certifications.
  • Medical Gas (ASME NB-50): Essential for hospital and healthcare work. Can add $5-$10/hour to your rate.
  • Backflow Prevention: Required for many commercial and industrial sites. A certification course is a weekend investment with long-term returns.
  • Water Treatment/Softening: High demand in Biloxi due to hard, mineral-heavy water. Installing and servicing systems is a lucrative niche.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Journeyman to Master Plumber: Requires more experience and passing a master’s exam. This allows you to pull your own permits and run your own business. A master plumber in Biloxi can earn $80,000+.
  2. Field Tech to Service Manager/Sales: Move from hands-on work to managing a team or estimating bids. This path leads to salaries in the $70,000 - $90,000 range.
  3. Start Your Own Business: This is where the highest earnings potential lies. With the 6% job growth and constant need, a small, well-run shop can be very profitable. The key is building a reputation for reliability and fair pricing.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% growth is solid. The aging population (both people and homes) guarantees demand. The biggest threat is not a lack of work, but a shortage of qualified, licensed plumbers. The craftsmen who invest in continuous education and specialty skills will be in the highest demand and command the best rates.

The Verdict: Is Biloxi Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $61,316 median salary goes far.	Hurricane Risk: Insurance is high, and the threat of storm damage is real.
Steady Demand: A mix of tourism, military, and aging infrastructure.	Limited Public Transit: You must own a reliable vehicle.
Coastal Lifestyle: Beaches, fishing, and no state income tax on Social Security.	Seasonal Fluctuations: Some work may slow post-tourist season.
Tight-Knit Industry: Easier to build a reputation and network.	Lower Ceiling (Initially): Pay is below national average until you specialize.
Business Opportunity: A great place to start your own shop.	Competition for Top Jobs: The best commercial/industrial roles are competitive.

Final Recommendation: Biloxi is an excellent choice for a plumber who values a lower cost of living, a coastal environment, and a steady stream of work. It’s not a get-rich-quick market, but it offers a stable, rewarding career where you can build a comfortable life. If you’re a self-starter who’s willing to get licensed, invest in specialties like medical gas, and perhaps one day run your own business, Biloxi’s market is ripe with opportunity. For a plumber seeking the absolute highest starting salary or a bustling metropolis, a larger city might be a better fit. But for a balanced lifestyle and solid earnings, the Coast is calling.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to be licensed to work as a plumber in Biloxi?
A: Yes, absolutely. You must hold a valid Mississippi Journeyman Plumber license to work independently. Apprentices can work under the supervision of a licensed journeyman or master plumber. The Mississippi State Board of Plumbing Examiners enforces this strictly.

Q: How is the job market for plumbers affected by hurricanes?
A: It’s a double-edged sword. After a major hurricane, there’s a surge of repair and reconstruction work that can last for years. However, the immediate aftermath can cause work disruptions. The best strategy is to work for a reputable company that has a diverse portfolio (commercial, residential, municipal) to weather the storm seasons.

Q: What’s the best way to find plumbing jobs in Biloxi?
A: While online job boards (Indeed, LinkedIn) are useful, the local market is heavily network-driven. Join the Mississippi Gulf Coast Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors Association and attend their meetings. Also, directly applying to the employers listed above (Coastal Plumbing, Roto-Rooter, etc.) is highly effective. Word-of-mouth is key.

Q: Is the cost of living really that low?
A: Yes. With a Cost of Living Index of 89.3, your salary goes further. The biggest savings are in housing and transportation. However, factor in higher homeowners insurance due to hurricane risk, which can offset some savings.

Q: Can I get a job without experience if I’m new to the trade?
A: It’s challenging but possible. Look for apprentice or helper positions with local companies. Be upfront about your willingness to learn. Enrolling in a program at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College or seeking union apprenticeship (through a local like the United Association) is the most reliable path to a structured career.