Police Officer in Biloxi, MS

As a career analyst who’s spent years mapping out professional paths in the Gulf Coast, I can tell you that Biloxi offers a unique blend of coastal living and law enforcement opportunities. It’s not a sprawling metropolis, but its location, military presence, and tourism economy create a steady demand for police officers. This guide is for the officer considering a move here—someone who wants the straight facts, not a tourism brochure. We’ll look at the numbers, the neighborhoods, and the day-to-day reality of policing in this historic city.

The Salary Picture: Where Biloxi Stands

Let’s start with the most critical number: your paycheck. In Biloxi, you’re not going to command the salary of an officer in a major coastal city like Miami or Houston, but the cost of living here is significantly lower, which stretches your dollars further.

The median salary for a police officer in Biloxi is $72,505/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.86/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $74,910/year. It’s a key data point to contextualize. The metro area, which includes Keesler Air Force Base and surrounding communities, has 98 jobs in this category, and the 10-year job growth is a modest 3%. This isn’t a boomtown for law enforcement hiring, but it’s a stable market with consistent turnover and retirement openings.

Here’s how that salary typically breaks down by experience level within the Biloxi Police Department (BPD) and similar local agencies:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary Range	Notes
Entry-Level (Officer I)	$45,000 - $55,000	Starting pay post-academy. Reflects BPD's base pay for new hires.
Mid-Career (Officer II/III)	$60,000 - $75,000	After 3-5 years, with shift differentials and potential specialty pay.
Senior (Sergeant)	$75,000 - $90,000	Includes supervisory pay and longevity bonuses.
Expert (Lieutenant & Above)	$85,000 - $110,000+	Command staff salaries; varies by specific department and tenure.

How Biloxi Compares to Other Mississippi Cities:

• Jackson: Higher median salary (~$76,500) but significantly higher crime rates and a more complex urban environment.
• Gulfport: Very similar salary range (~$72,000-$75,000), with a slightly larger police department and more tourism-related calls.
• Hattiesburg: Lower median salary (~$68,000), home to the University of Southern Mississippi, which brings a different dynamic (college town policing).

Biloxi’s pay is competitive for Mississippi, especially when paired with the lower cost of living. The key is that $72,505 isn’t just a number—it’s a living wage here.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

So, you’re earning the median of $72,505. What does that actually look like in your bank account every month? Let’s break it down with Biloxi’s specific numbers.

First, taxes. As a rough estimate (using 2023 single filer standard deduction and MS tax brackets), your take-home pay after federal, state, and FICA taxes would be approximately $60,500 annually, or about $5,042 per month.

The average 1-bedroom rent in Biloxi is $923/month. This is a critical anchor for your budget.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for an officer earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$5,042	After taxes (est.)
Housing (1BR Rent)	$923	Average for the city.
Utilities (Elec, Water, Gas)	$180	Varies by season; summers are hot and humid.
Car Payment & Insurance	$450	MS has moderate insurance rates. A reliable car is a must.
Groceries	$400	Biloxi has standard grocery costs (Walmart, Winn-Dixie, local markets).
Health Insurance (if not covered)	$250	BPD offers good benefits, but this is a common out-of-pocket cost.
Student Loans/Debt	$300	Varies widely.
Misc. (Food, Gas, Entertainment)	$500	Includes gas for commuting, occasional meals out.
Remaining for Savings/Goals	$1,039	This is your flexibility fund.

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes. The median home price in Biloxi is around $175,000-$200,000 (well below the national average). With a take-home of over $5,000/month and a mortgage payment (including taxes/insurance) of roughly $1,200-$1,400 for a modest home, it’s very feasible. However, you’ll need a solid down payment and good credit. Many officers here do own homes, often in neighborhoods like North Biloxi or the growing areas near the I-10 corridor.

Insider Tip: The Biloxi PD has a strong benefits package, including a pension plan and health insurance, which can reduce your monthly out-of-pocket costs significantly compared to a private-sector job. Always factor in the value of the benefits package, not just the salary.

Where the Jobs Are: Biloxi's Major Employers

While the Biloxi Police Department is the primary employer, the metro area includes other agencies and related opportunities. Here’s a look at the major players:

1. Biloxi Police Department: The main employer, with roughly 120 officers. They handle everything from high-velocity calls on the casinos to quiet residential patrols in neighborhoods like Back Bay. Hiring is often via civil service exams, and they have a continuous recruitment process due to retirements.
2. Harrison County Sheriff's Office: Covers the unincorporated areas of Harrison County, which border Biloxi. They handle county-wide duties, including the Harrison County Adult Detention Center. Offers a different pace—more rural patrols in some areas, but also overlap with city calls.
3. Keesler Air Force Base Security Forces: Located just north of the city, this is a massive federal employer. While technically military, they often hire civilian security personnel and have a close relationship with local law enforcement. It’s a stable, federal job with great benefits, and many local officers have ties here.
4. Gulfport Police Department: Biloxi’s neighbor to the west. Gulfport has a slightly larger department and handles the major interstate (I-10) traffic and the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. Commuting from Biloxi to Gulfport is a common 20-minute drive.
5. D'Iberville Police Department: A growing suburb just north of Biloxi. As D'Iberville expands with new shopping and housing (like the Scarlet Pearl Casino area), their police department is hiring to keep up. A good option for a smaller-city feel with a quick commute.
6. Mississippi Gaming Commission: Not a traditional police job, but they employ enforcement officers for casino compliance. It’s a niche role that requires law enforcement background and deals with regulatory enforcement rather than criminal patrol.
7. Private Security for Casinos: Major employers like Beau Rivage, Hard Rock, and Harrah's hire armed security personnel. Pay can be competitive, often with shift differentials, but it’s a different job than municipal policing.

Hiring Trends: The 10-year job growth of 3% reflects a steady, not explosive, market. Most openings come from retirements. The military presence (Keesler) creates stability but also a transient population. Hiring can be cyclical, often tied to the city's budget cycle (typically in the first quarter).

Getting Licensed in MS

To work as a police officer in Mississippi, you must be certified by the Mississippi Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Council.

State-Specific Requirements:

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Have a high school diploma or GED (some agencies may prefer or require college credits).
• Pass a comprehensive background check, including a drug test and physical fitness test.
• Complete the 240-hour Basic Law Enforcement Officer (BLEO) certification course at an approved training academy (like the Mississippi Law Enforcement Training Academy in Jackson or a regional academy).
• Pass the state certification exam.

Costs and Timeline:

• Academy Cost: If you self-sponsor (pay for yourself), the cost can range from $4,000 to $6,000, including tuition, uniforms, and equipment. Many agencies, including BPD, will sponsor you—meaning they pay for your academy if you are hired. This is a major advantage.
• Timeline: From application to starting the academy can take 3-6 months. The academy itself is typically 14 weeks (full-time). After graduation, you’ll have a field training period of 3-6 months with a senior officer.
• Total Time: From your initial application to being fully solo on patrol is roughly 9-12 months.

Insider Tip: If you’re not from MS, start by contacting the Biloxi PD recruitment unit. They can guide you on the sponsorship process. If you’re already POST-certified from another state, MS has reciprocity, but you’ll still need to meet their specific requirements and possibly take a supplementary course.

Best Neighborhoods for Police Officers

Where you live affects your commute, quality of life, and understanding of the community you serve. Here are areas popular with law enforcement in Biloxi:

Neighborhood	Commute to BPD HQ	Vibe & Lifestyle	Avg. 1BR Rent
North Biloxi	10-15 min	Family-friendly, more residential, away from the tourist core. Good schools. Where many officers live.	$900 - $1,100
Back Bay	5-10 min	Historic, quiet, on the water. Older homes, tight-knit community. Close to headquarters.	$850 - $1,050
East Biloxi (near Keesler)	15-20 min	Military-influenced, affordable, newer developments. Easy access to I-10.	$800 - $1,000
D'Iberville (North)	20-25 min	Suburban, growing fast, new shopping. A bit of a commute but a different pace of life.	$950 - $1,200
Gulfport (West)	25-30 min	Larger city feel, more diverse dining/shopping, beach access. Longer commute but more urban amenities.	$900 - $1,150

Personal Insight: North Biloxi is the unofficial "cop neighborhood." You’ll see several patrol cars parked in driveways. The commute is short, and you’re close to Walmart, schools, and parks. Back Bay offers a unique, quiet coastal living feel but has older infrastructure.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A career with BPD or a similar department isn’t just about patrol. Advancement is structured, and while the base pay is modest, specialty assignments add to your income and experience.

Specialty Premiums & Advancements:

• Shift Differential: Evening and night shifts typically add $2-$4/hour.
• Field Training Officer (FTO): Pay premium for training new officers.
• Specialized Units: These don’t always have direct pay bumps but are stepping stones to promotion. They include:
  • K-9 Unit
  • SWAT (part of a regional team)
  • Criminal Investigations Division (CID)
  • Traffic Unit (handling major accidents, DUI enforcement)
  • Marine Patrol (unique to Biloxi’s coastal geography)
• Promotion Path: Officer → Field Training Officer → Sergeant → Lieutenant → Captain. Each step requires time-in-service, exams, and interviews.

10-Year Outlook: With a 3% job growth, the market is stable. Your career trajectory will depend on your performance, willingness to specialize, and leadership skills. The key to advancement is to be proactive—volunteer for training, maintain a clean record, and build a reputation for reliability. In a smaller department like BPD (120 officers), you have better visibility and a clearer path to specialty units than in a massive city department.

The Verdict: Is Biloxi Right for You?

Here’s a straightforward table to help you decide.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary stretches far. Homeownership is achievable.	Lower Pay Ceiling: Compared to national averages, top-end pay is limited.
Stable Job Market: Consistent openings from retirements, not boom/bust cycles.	Modest Growth: 10-year growth is slow; career advancement requires patience.
Unique Policing Environment: Mix of tourism, military, and historic neighborhoods.	Tourism-Driven Calls: Can mean more disorderly conduct and DUIs, especially during events.
Quality of Life: Coastal access, mild winters, and a relaxed pace outside of work.	Hurricane Risk: You must be prepared for hurricane season (June-November).
Strong Community Ties: A smaller city allows officers to build real relationships.	Limited Nightlife/Dining: Compared to a major metro, options are more limited.

Final Recommendation: Biloxi is an excellent choice for an officer who values quality of life and affordability over a high salary. It’s ideal for those who want a manageable city, access to the coast, and a career with a stable, community-focused department. It may not be the place for someone chasing the highest possible paycheck or the most high-octane urban policing. For a balanced career in a unique Southern setting, Biloxi offers a compelling package.

FAQs

Q: Is the cost of living really that low?
A: Yes. The Cost of Living Index is 89.3, compared to the US average of 100. This means your dollar goes about 11% further here. Groceries, housing, and utilities are all below the national average.

Q: What is the hiring process like for Biloxi PD?
A: It’s a civil service process. You’ll take a written exam, a physical fitness test, an oral board interview, a background investigation, a polygraph, and a medical/psychological exam. The entire process can take 4-6 months.

Q: How does the military presence affect policing?
A: Keesler AFB brings a steady population of service members, which can mean more domestic calls in areas where they live off-base. It also creates a need for close cooperation between base security (Security Forces) and local police. Overall, it’s a stabilizing factor for the local economy.

Q: What are the biggest challenges for police in Biloxi?
A: Managing large-scale tourist events (like Cruisin’ the Coast or Mardi Gras), which strain resources. Also, the city’s geography—with water on three sides—creates unique challenges for response times and patrols.

Q: Can I live on the coast (like near the beach) and still afford it?
A: On a police salary, living directly on the beach in a luxury condo isn’t realistic. However, areas like East Biloxi or North Biloxi offer affordable options within a 10-15 minute drive to the beach. Rent in the core tourist area is higher, but still below national coastal averages.

Data sources referenced: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Mississippi Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Council, and local rental market data (Zillow, RentCafe).