Project Manager in Gulfport, MS

As a local who has watched Gulfport’s economy pivot from purely maritime to a more diversified hub for healthcare, logistics, and coastal construction, I can tell you that Project Management here isn’t about Silicon Valley-style startups. It’s about managing complex projects for the U.S. Navy, rebuilding after hurricanes, and getting goods from the Gulf to the rest of the country. If you’re a Project Manager (PM) eyeing Gulfport, this guide cuts through the fluff. We’re talking real numbers, real commutes, and the real cost of living on the Coast.

The Salary Picture: Where Gulfport Stands

Let’s start with the data that matters most: your paycheck. The Project Management field in Gulfport offers competitive pay, especially when you factor in the local cost of living. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the median salary for a Project Manager in the Gulfport-Biloxi metro area is $98,028/year, with an hourly rate of $47.13/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $101,280/year, but the gap narrows significantly when you consider Gulfport’s lower living costs.

The job market here is niche but stable. There are approximately 145 active Project Manager jobs in the metro area, with a 10-year job growth projection of 6%. This growth is driven by ongoing military contracts, infrastructure projects (like the I-110 corridor improvements), and the steady expansion of healthcare services. It’s not explosive growth, but it’s reliable.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your earning potential grows predictably with experience. Here’s how salaries typically break down in the local market:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Gulfport)	Key Local Industries
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$65,000 - $80,000	Construction, Logistics, IT Support
Mid-Level (4-7 years)	$85,000 - $110,000	Healthcare, Government Contracting, Manufacturing
Senior-Level (8-12 years)	$110,000 - $135,000	Large Construction Firms, Engineering, Defense
Expert/Principal (12+ years)	$135,000+	Senior Naval Architect, Senior Construction PM, Director-level

Comparison to Other Mississippi Cities

To understand Gulfport’s position, it’s helpful to compare it to other major MS cities. While Jackson and Hattiesburg may have more corporate HQs, Gulfport’s unique coastal economy offers different opportunities.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Primary Industries for PMs
Gulfport	$98,028	89.3	Maritime, Healthcare, Logistics, Military
Jackson	$102,500 (est.)	87.5	Government, Healthcare, Corporate
Hattiesburg	$91,000 (est.)	86.0	Education, Healthcare, Manufacturing
Biloxi	$96,500 (est.)	92.1	Tourism, Gaming, Hospitality

Insider Tip: Don’t just chase the highest number on paper. The $98,028 median in Gulfport goes much further than a similar salary in a high-cost coastal city. The combination of a solid salary and a cost of living index of 89.3 (meaning it’s about 11% cheaper than the national average) creates a strong value proposition.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is meaningless without context. Let’s break down what a median-earning Project Manager takes home and what they can afford in Gulfport.

Assumptions for this breakdown:

• Gross Annual Salary: $98,028
• Monthly Gross Income: ~$8,169
• Taxes: We’ll estimate a 25% effective tax rate (Federal + FICA + State MS ~4%). This is a conservative estimate; your actual rate may be lower.
• Take-Home Pay: ~$6,127/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown

Here’s a realistic look at how that take-home pay is allocated for a single Project Manager in Gulfport:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Taxes	$2,042	(Estimated 25% of gross)
Take-Home Pay	$6,127
Rent (1BR)	$923	Gulfport average
Utilities	$180	Electricity, water, internet. Higher in summer due to AC.
Groceries	$400
Transportation	$350	Car payment, insurance, gas. Gulfport is car-dependent.
Health Insurance	$300	(Employer-sponsored plan)
Retirement Savings (10%)	$980	Pre-tax contribution recommended
Discretionary Spending	$1,994	Dining out, entertainment, savings, debt payments.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, comfortably. The median home price in Gulfport is roughly $200,000 - $225,000. With a take-home pay of over $6,000/month and low rent, a PM can save for a down payment quickly. A 20% down payment on a $210,000 home is $42,000. With the discretionary spending above, saving $1,500/month for a down payment would take about 28 months. A mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely be around $1,200-$1,400/month, which is very manageable on this salary. Insider Tip: Look for homes in the "West Side" of Gulfport or in nearby Long Beach for better value and less flood risk.

Where the Jobs Are: Gulfport's Major Employers

The job market for PMs is anchored by a handful of major employers. These aren’t just companies; they’re institutions that define the local economy.

1. Keesler Air Force Base (Biloxi): As one of the largest training bases for the U.S. Air Force, Keesler is a massive employer. They hire PMs for IT infrastructure, facility management, and logistics. Security clearance is often required but can be a career accelerator. Hiring is steady and tied to federal budgets.
2. Ingalls Shipbuilding (Pascagoula): While in neighboring Pascagoula, Ingalls is the economic engine of the entire Coast. It’s the largest private employer in Mississippi. PMs here manage massive naval construction projects (like the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers). The work is intense, unionized, and highly skilled. Many Gulfport residents commute to Pascagoula for these roles.
3. Gulfport Memorial Hospital: The region’s healthcare hub is constantly expanding. PMs are needed for new wing constructions, IT system implementations (like Epic EMR), and process improvement projects. The trend is toward more specialized care centers to serve the growing retiree population.
4. Mississippi Power (an Emera Company): As the primary electric utility, they require PMs for grid modernization, storm hardening projects, and renewable energy initiatives (like the solar farm in nearby Greene County). The work is technical and requires understanding of regulatory frameworks.
5. International Shipbreaking (formerly "The Beach"): This facility processes decommissioned vessels. It’s a unique project management environment involving environmental remediation, heavy logistics, and international compliance. It’s a niche but critical part of the local maritime economy.
6. Local Construction & Engineering Firms: Companies like Walter Construction Group and Ward Engineering are always bidding on local projects—from the new Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport terminal to coastal restoration projects. These firms offer a more traditional PM career path with a focus on land-based projects.

Hiring Trends: The biggest driver is the "Blue Economy"—everything from offshore wind preparation to rehabilitation of the Port of Gulfport. There’s also a steady demand for PMs with PMP certification and experience in Agile or Scrum, especially for IT projects at Keesler or the hospital.

Getting Licensed in MS

Mississippi does not have a state-specific license for Project Managers. However, professional certifications are the de facto standard for advancement and higher pay.

• Key Certification: The Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute (PMI) is the gold standard. Most major employers in Gulfport (especially Ingalls and Keesler) either require it or give strong preference to candidates who have it.
• Cost: The exam fee for PMI members is $405; non-members pay $555. Membership also provides study resources.
• Process & Timeline:
  1. Education: You need 35 contact hours of project management education (or a bachelor’s degree and 36 months of leadership experience).
  2. Application & Exam: The application process can take a few weeks. Studying typically takes 2-3 months for most professionals.
  3. Total Time: From start to holding the certificate, expect 4-6 months if you’re dedicated.
• State Resources: For construction-specific PMs, the Mississippi State Board of Contractors is the relevant body for licensing general contractors, which often overlaps with PM roles in that field.

Insider Tip: Don’t wait for your employer to pay for the PMP. Invest in it yourself—it pays off quickly in the Gulfport market and is a non-negotiable for senior roles at Ingalls or Keesler.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Where you live defines your commute and lifestyle. Gulfport is spread out, and neighborhoods vary dramatically.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for PMs
West Side/Gulfport	Quiet, residential, family-friendly. Easy access to I-10 for commutes to Biloxi or Pascagoula.	$900 - $1,100	Affordable, low traffic, good for saving money or raising a family.
Downtown Gulfport	Walkable, artsy, near the Port. Commute is local (under 10 mins).	$1,000 - $1,300	Best for urban professionals who want a short commute and local dining/arts scene.
Long Beach	Small-town feel, great schools, less touristy. 15-20 minute commute to Gulfport.	$950 - $1,200	Perfect for PMs seeking a balanced, community-focused lifestyle with excellent public services.
Biloxi (East Side)	Closer to Keesler AFB and casino entertainment. Busy, with more traffic.	$850 - $1,150	Ideal for PMs working at Keesler or who enjoy the entertainment district. More affordable.
Pass Christian	Upscale, coastal, very quiet. 20-25 minute commute to Gulfport.	$1,100 - $1,400	For senior PMs with higher budgets who prioritize peace, scenery, and prestige.

Insider Tip: Flood zones matter. Always check FEMA flood maps before renting or buying. Areas like West Gulfport and Long Beach are generally safer from storm surge than properties directly on the bay.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A PM career in Gulfport follows a predictable path, but specialization can accelerate it.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Naval Shipbuilding PM: +15-20% above median. Requires deep knowledge of Navy specifications.
  • IT/PM (Scrum Master, Agile): +10-15%. High demand at Keesler and in healthcare.
  • Environmental/Coastal Restoration PM: Growing niche, premium pay due to specialized knowledge (e.g., wetland mitigation, post-disaster rebuilding).
• Advancement Paths: The typical trajectory is from PM to Senior PM to Project Director or Program Manager. In larger firms like Ingalls, you might move into a Project Controls Manager role (focusing on budget/schedule) or a Contracts Manager role. In healthcare or IT, the path might lead to a Director of Project Management Office (PMO).
• 10-Year Outlook (6% Growth): This steady growth means competition for senior roles will increase. The PMs who will thrive are those who:
  1. Get their PMP.
  2. Develop a niche (e.g., maritime, healthcare IT, storm recovery).
  3. Build a local network through the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce and PMI Gulf Coast Chapter.

The Verdict: Is Gulfport Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Value: Your $98,028 salary goes much further here.	Hurricane Risk: This is a real and persistent concern, requiring vigilance with insurance and property.
Stable, Niche Job Market: Anchor employers like Ingalls and Keesler provide stability.	Limited Corporate Diversity: Few Fortune 500 HQs; career pivots may require a move.
Unique Career Experiences: Manage projects in shipbuilding, military aviation, and coastal restoration.	Car-Dependent: Public transportation is limited; a reliable vehicle is a must.
Outdoor Lifestyle: Beaches, fishing, and mild winters are a major quality-of-life perk.	Slower Pace: If you crave a bustling, 24/7 urban environment, Gulfport may feel quiet.
Strong Sense of Community: Small-town feel with big-project opportunities.	Professional Networking: Smaller pool means you must be proactive to build connections.

Final Recommendation: Gulfport is a fantastic choice for a Project Manager who values work-life balance, tangible projects, and financial stability over the high-pressure grind of major metros. It’s ideal for mid-career PMs looking to buy a home, or senior PMs seeking a strong final chapter in their career. If you’re adaptable, weather-aware, and want your work to have a visible impact on a community, Gulfport is a hidden gem.

FAQs

Q: What’s the biggest misconception about being a Project Manager in Gulfport?
A: That it’s all about tourism and casinos. While those are major industries, the bulk of high-skill PM work is in defense, heavy manufacturing, and infrastructure. Your day-to-day could be managing a shipyard schedule or a hospital IT upgrade, not a casino renovation.

Q: Is a security clearance worth pursuing?
A: Absolutely. If you’re interested in working at Keesler AFB or with defense contractors, a clearance is a golden ticket. It significantly increases your salary potential and job security. It can take 6-12 months to obtain, but it’s a career-long asset on the Gulf Coast.

Q: How does the local PM community network?
A: The PMI Gulf Coast Chapter is active and hosts regular meetings. The Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce also hosts events. The professional network is tight-knit—building relationships here is crucial and often happens through industry-specific events more than general networking.

Q: Is it a good market for Project Managers with a non-traditional background?
A: Yes, but with a caveat. Gulfport values experience and certifications (PMP) over pedigree. If you can demonstrate results, you can break in. However, for the top-tier jobs at Ingalls or Keesler, a technical background (engineering, IT) or relevant military experience is often preferred.

Q: What’s the one thing I should do before moving?
A: Visit during hurricane season (June-November). Talk to locals about their experience. Understand the real risk and the resilience of the community. Also, line up interviews with the major employers listed above—don’t wait until you move.