Project Manager in Biloxi, MS

As a career analyst who's spent years tracking job markets across the Gulf Coast, I can tell you that Biloxi offers a unique proposition for Project Managers. It's not a sprawling tech hub like Austin, but a tight-knit coastal economy where relationships matter and the cost of living is a genuine advantage. This guide will cut through the promotional fluff and give you the grounded, data-driven facts you need to decide if this Mississippi city is the right next chapter for your career.

The Salary Picture: Where Biloxi Stands

Let's start with the numbers that matter most. The median salary for a Project Manager in Biloxi is $98,028 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $47.13. This sits just below the national average of $101,280. While it's not the top-paying market in the country, the context is everything. With a cost of living index of 89.3 (where the U.S. average is 100), your dollar stretches significantly further here than in most metropolitan areas.

The job market is specialized. There are approximately 98 Project Manager positions listed in the metro area at any given time, reflecting a stable but not explosive demand. A 6% 10-year job growth projection indicates steady, sustainable expansion rather than a boom-and-bust cycle. This is typical for a city anchored by military contracts, healthcare, and tourism infrastructure.

To understand where you might fit in, here’s a breakdown of salary ranges by experience level. Note that these are estimates based on local job postings and industry surveys, anchored by the provided median.

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Local Industries Hiring
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$65,000 - $82,000	Construction, Community Development, Entry-level IT
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$85,000 - $110,000	Healthcare, Gaming/Hospitality, Public Sector
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$110,000 - $140,000	Major Construction, Aerospace/Defense, Large Healthcare Systems
Expert/Consultant (15+ years)	$135,000+	Specialized Consultancy, Senior Military Contracts, Executive PMO

Insider Tip: The premium in Biloxi is for PMs who can navigate the "regulated trifecta": military compliance (DFARS), healthcare (HIPAA), and gaming commission regulations. A PMP certification is a baseline here; experience with these specific regulatory environments is what commands the top-tier offers.

How Biloxi Compares to Other Mississippi Cities

While Biloxi is a solid mid-market, it's important to see it in the state context. Jackson, the state capital and largest metro, has a higher concentration of corporate HQs and state government jobs, which can push salaries slightly higher for experienced PMs. However, the gap narrows significantly when you factor in Biloxi's lower cost of living.

City	Median Salary (Est.)	Cost of Living Index	Notes
Biloxi	$98,028	89.3	Strong in healthcare, military, tourism. Coastal lifestyle.
Jackson	~$102,000	91.5	Higher state government & corporate presence. More urban.
Gulfport	~$97,500	89.0	Adjacent to Biloxi, similar job market, slightly lower rent.
Hattiesburg	~$90,000	87.0	University-driven economy (USM). Lower salaries, lower costs.

For a Project Manager, the choice between Biloxi and Jackson often comes down to industry preference. Biloxi offers a distinct coastal economy; Jackson is more diversified across multiple corporate sectors.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $98,028 sounds solid, but what does it mean for your monthly budget? Let's break it down for a single filer with no dependents, using Mississippi's state income tax (which ranges from 0% to 5%) and a conservative 22% effective federal tax rate. This is a realistic estimate for someone in this salary bracket.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Estimated)

• Gross Monthly Salary: $8,169
• Taxes (Federal & State, est.): -$2,300
• Take-Home Pay: $5,869
• Rent (Avg. 1BR): -$923
• Remaining for Utilities, Groceries, Insurance, Savings, & Discretionary: $4,946

This leaves a very comfortable cushion. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Biloxi is $923/month, but this varies dramatically by neighborhood (see section below). Your housing cost will be your largest variable.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With nearly $5,000 in remaining monthly funds, a Project Manager in Biloxi is in an excellent position to purchase a home. The median home price in the Biloxi area is approximately $200,000 - $225,000. A 20% down payment would be $40,000 - $45,000. With the savings potential from the budget above, a disciplined saver could realistically accumulate a down payment in 12-18 months. Monthly mortgage payments (including taxes and insurance) would likely be comparable to, or even less than, renting a nice 1BR or 2BR apartment.

Where the Jobs Are: Biloxi's Major Employers

Biloxi's economy is a three-legged stool: military/government, healthcare, and gaming/hospitality. Project Managers are critical in all three. Here’s a look at the major local employers and the types of PM roles they typically hire for.

1. Keesler Air Force Base: As one of the largest training centers for the U.S. Air Force, Keesler is a massive employer. They hire civilian Project Managers (often through defense contractors like Lockheed Martin or smaller firms) for facilities management, IT infrastructure projects, and training program development. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a focus on IT modernization and cybersecurity projects under military compliance standards.

2. Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center: This is the largest hospital in the area and a major hub for healthcare project management. Roles involve managing facility expansions, EMR (Electronic Medical Record) system implementations, and process improvement initiatives. Hiring Trend: Growing, driven by ongoing healthcare expansion and the need for digital transformation.

3. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino & Other Casinos: The gaming industry is a unique beast. PMs here manage everything from new restaurant openings and hotel renovations to large-scale entertainment events and IT system upgrades for gaming floors. It's fast-paced and requires an understanding of gaming commission regulations. Hiring Trend: Cyclical but consistent. Major casinos often have in-house PMO teams and hire contractors for specific projects.

4. City of Biloxi / Harrison County Government: Public sector projects are a steady source of work. This includes managing federal grant-funded infrastructure projects (e.g., road improvements, drainage), community development initiatives, and parks & recreation facility builds. Hiring Trend: Stable, with opportunities tied to federal funding cycles (e.g., HUD grants, FEMA projects post-hurricane).

5. Ingalls Shipbuilding (Pascagoula): While located in neighboring Pascagoula (a 45-minute drive), Ingalls is the largest employer in the region and a key job source for Biloxi residents. They hire PMs for shipbuilding and repair projects, often requiring security clearances. Hiring Trend: Strong and growing, with massive government contracts ensuring long-term project pipelines.

Insider Tip: Many of the best PM jobs in Biloxi are with government contractors supporting Keesler AFB or Ingalls. Networking through local chapters of the Project Management Institute (PMI) Gulf Coast Chapter is crucial. The local LinkedIn group "Biloxi Project Management Professionals" is also a valuable resource.

Getting Licensed in MS

Mississippi does not have a state-specific "Project Manager License" like it does for engineers or accountants. However, the professional standard is the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI). For most mid-to-senior level roles, especially with major employers like Keesler or in healthcare, the PMP is a de facto requirement.

Here’s the process and cost:

• Requirements: A secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree) with 7,500 hours leading projects and 35 hours of project management education OR a four-year degree with 4,500 hours leading projects and 35 hours of education.
• Cost: Exam fee for non-members is $555; for PMI members ($129/year + $10 application fee), the exam fee is $405. Total first-year cost: $515 - $684.
• Timeline: It typically takes 2-4 months to prepare for the exam after meeting the education and experience requirements. Once you apply and are approved, you have one year to take the exam (with up to three attempts).

For Construction-Specific Roles: While not a state license, many construction PMs in Biloxi also pursue the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) credential. It's highly valued by firms working on large public and military projects.

Insider Tip: The local PMI Gulf Coast Chapter offers study groups and workshops, which are more affordable than formal bootcamps and provide invaluable local networking.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Living in Biloxi is about choosing your vibe. The commute is generally short (most places are within 20-30 minutes), but lifestyle and rent vary significantly.

1. East Biloxi / The Promenade: This is the historic heart of Biloxi, with beautiful antebellum homes, the Beach Boulevard casinos, and the new Promenade shopping center. It's walkable, has great restaurants, and is close to the hospital and downtown. Commute: 5-15 minutes to most major employers. Rent (1BR): $1,000 - $1,400. Best for: PMs who want an urban, lively atmosphere with a short commute.

2. North Biloxi / The 'D'Iberville' Area: More suburban, with newer apartment complexes and single-family homes. It's close to the I-10/I-110 interchange, making it an easy drive to Keesler AFB, the airport, and Gulfport. Commute: 10-20 minutes. Rent (1BR): $850 - $1,100. Best for: PMs who prefer modern amenities, more space, and a quieter, family-friendly environment.

3. The Back Bay / Woolmarket: A mix of older, established neighborhoods and newer subdivisions. It's a bit more residential and quiet, with larger lots. It's close to the VA Hospital and has easy access to Highway 90. Commute: 10-25 minutes. Rent (1BR): $800 - $1,000. Best for: PMs seeking a balance of affordability, space, and a quieter lifestyle without being far from the action.

4. Gulfport (Adjacent City): Technically a separate city, but part of the same metro area. It has a more traditional "small town" feel, a historic downtown, and is home to the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. Commute: 15-30 minutes to Biloxi employers. Rent (1BR): $800 - $1,150. Best for: PMs who don't mind a short commute for a different, slightly slower-paced coastal vibe.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Biloxi, career advancement often means deepening your industry expertise rather than jumping to a new sector every few years. The 10-year outlook is stable, with growth tied to federal spending, healthcare expansion, and coastal resilience projects.

• Specialty Premiums: As noted, PMs with niche skills command higher salaries. Expertise in IT/Cloud Project Management (for military systems), Healthcare Regulatory Compliance, or Large-Scale Construction/Disaster Recovery (post-hurricane rebuilds) can add a 10-15% premium to your base salary.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Project Coordinator -> Project Manager -> Senior PM -> Program Manager or PMO Director. In Biloxi, moving into a Program Manager role at Keesler AFB or a major casino chain is a significant step up. Another path is to become a consultant, offering your regulatory expertise (military, healthcare, gaming) to multiple firms on a contract basis.
• 10-Year Outlook: Expect a 6% growth in jobs, which is healthy for a mature market. The biggest opportunities will be in:
  1. Cybersecurity & IT Modernization at Keesler AFB.
  2. Healthcare Facility Management as the regional population grows.
  3. Coastal Infrastructure & Resiliency projects funded by state and federal grants.
  4. Sustainable Tourism Development as the coast continues to evolve its appeal.

Insider Tip: To advance, get involved in local boards or commissions (like the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce or planning boards). Visibility in the community, especially in a city this size, can lead directly to leadership opportunities.

The Verdict: Is Biloxi Right for You?

The decision to move to Biloxi is a trade-off. You're trading the high salaries and frenetic pace of a major coastal city for affordability, a relaxed lifestyle, and a job market that rewards expertise and local knowledge.

Pros	Cons
Significantly lower cost of living. Your $98,028 salary goes much further.	Limited job market diversity. Heavily reliant on 3-4 key industries.
Short, manageable commutes. You can live, work, and play without spending hours in traffic.	Lower salary ceiling than national tech or finance hubs.
Unique lifestyle. Beach access, fresh seafood, a rich history, and a slower pace.	Limited public transportation. A car is an absolute necessity.
Stable, growing job market in specific, resilient sectors.	Can feel "small." Professional networking circles are tight-knit.
Strong potential for homeownership and building equity early.	Hurricane risk is a real factor that requires preparedness.

Final Recommendation: Biloxi is an excellent choice for a Project Manager who values work-life balance, is interested in industries like defense, healthcare, or hospitality, and is looking to build wealth through homeownership. It's less ideal for those seeking rapid career hopping between multiple industries or who prioritize a very large, anonymous professional network. If you can find a job in your field here, the quality of life on a Project Manager's salary is hard to beat anywhere else in the country.

FAQs

Q: Is the PMP certification mandatory in Biloxi for a Project Manager role?
A: While not state-mandated, it is considered a standard requirement for most mid-to-senior level positions, especially with federal contractors, healthcare systems, and large casinos. For entry-level roles, it may be listed as "preferred."

Q: How does the weather affect a Project Manager's work in Biloxi?
A: Hurricane season (June-November) is a major factor. PMs in construction, infrastructure, and facilities management must have robust contingency and disaster recovery plans. It also creates cyclical work in rebuild and mitigation projects. Office-based PMs should be prepared for occasional office closures due to severe weather.

Q: Are remote Project Manager jobs available from Biloxi?
A: Yes, but they are often with companies based elsewhere (e.g., New Orleans, Mobile, or nationally). The local remote market is growing but not as robust as in larger tech cities. It's a good option if you secure a national role but want to enjoy Biloxi's cost of living.

Q: What's the best way to network as a new Project Manager in Biloxi?
A: Join the PMI Gulf Coast Chapter immediately. Attend their monthly meetings and volunteer for committees. Also, connect with local recruiters who specialize in engineering, healthcare, and IT. Finally, simply being active in community events (Chamber of Commerce, charity gals) is surprisingly effective in a city this size.

Q: How competitive is the job market with only 98 jobs listed?
A: The number 98 represents actively advertised positions. The true market is larger, with many roles filled through networking, recruiter outreach, and internal promotions. For a skilled PM with the right certifications and local industry knowledge, competition is manageable, not fierce. Persistence and local connections are your best assets.