Registered Nurse in Biloxi, MS

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Registered Nurses considering a move to Biloxi, Mississippi.

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The Salary Picture: Where Biloxi Stands

As a local who’s seen the healthcare landscape shift over the decades, I can tell you straight: Biloxi isn't a high-dollar nursing market like Gulfport or, say, Jackson. But the cost of living is the secret weapon here. The median salary for an RN in Biloxi is $83,307/year, which breaks down to roughly $40.05/hour. While the national average sits at $86,070/year, that salary goes significantly further in Biloxi than it does in most of the country.

The job market is steady, with approximately 441 RN positions listed in the metro area at any given time. The 10-year job growth is projected at 6%, which is respectable and indicates stability rather than explosive growth.

To give you a clearer picture of how experience translates to income here, look at this breakdown:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$72,000 - $78,000	$34.60 - $37.50
Mid-Career (3-7 yrs)	$83,307 (Median)	$40.05
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$92,000 - $105,000	$44.20 - $50.45
Expert (15+ yrs)	$108,000+	$52.00+

How does this compare to other Mississippi cities?
You'll make more in the Jackson metro area (closer to $89,000) and the Gulfport-Biloxi metro area often edges slightly higher, but the gap narrows significantly when you factor in housing. Biloxi offers a unique balance: you're close to the higher-paying Gulfport hospitals (like Memorial at the Gulfport campus) but enjoy Biloxi's lower rent and property taxes. It's a strategic play for nurses who want coastal living without the resort-town price tag.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. With a median salary of $83,307, your monthly take-home pay after taxes (estimating ~22% for federal/state/FICA) is roughly $5,350. That’s a solid foundation.

The key to Biloxi’s affordability is housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $923/month. The Cost of Living Index is 89.3 (where the US average is 100). That means your dollar stretches about 10.7% further here.

Monthly Budget Snapshot for an RN at Median Salary:

• Gross Monthly Pay: $6,942
• Estimated Take-Home: $5,350
• Rent (1BR): $923
• Utilities (incl. Internet): $180
• Groceries: $350
• Car Payment/Insurance: $450
• Health Insurance (if employer doesn't cover 100%): $150
• Retirement Savings (10%): $694
• Remaining Discretionary: $1,603

Can you afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. While the median home price in Biloxi is rising (hovering around $215,000), it's still within reach for a nurse earning the median. With a $43,000 down payment (20%), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would have a monthly payment of roughly $1,085. That’s only about $162 more than the average rent. For a registered nurse, buying a home in neighborhoods like the Back Bay or near the Keesler AFB perimeter is a very realistic financial goal within 2-3 years of moving here.

Where the Jobs Are: Biloxi's Major Employers

The healthcare sector is the backbone of the local economy. You won't find a single "downtown" hospital cluster; jobs are spread along the coast and inland.

1. Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT): While not a hospital, this is a major regional hub. Medical Center (Memorial Hospital System) has a main campus in Gulfport, but many Biloxi residents work there. The commute is a straight shot down Highway 90 (15-20 mins). They are the largest employer in the region and are constantly hiring for Med-Surg, ICU, and ED roles.

2. Keesler Air Force Base Medical Group: A massive federal employer. Working here offers federal benefits, pension, and stability. They hire civilian RNs for primary care, specialty clinics, and the hospital. The catch: you must be a U.S. citizen and often go through a lengthy security clearance process. It's a coveted position for its benefits package.

3. Memorial Hospital at Gulfport (Coastal Campus): This is the primary trauma center for the region. It’s a Level II trauma center and a stroke center. They have a huge ER and critical care needs. Nurses here often see a higher acuity than at smaller community hospitals. Hiring trends show a strong need for experienced ICU and ER nurses.

4. Biloxi Community Hospital (a part of the Memorial Health System): Located on the eastern side of Biloxi, near the D'Iberville line. This is a smaller, community-focused hospital. It's a great place for new grads to get their footing or for experienced nurses wanting a lower-stress environment than the trauma center. They specialize in orthopedics, general surgery, and med-surg.

5. VA Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System: Based in Biloxi, with a clinic in Gulfport. This is a top-tier employer for nurses interested in veteran care. The Biloxi VA is a primary care and specialty clinic hub. The pace can be different from a hospital setting, with a focus on chronic disease management and mental health. Benefits are excellent.

6. Local Nursing Homes & Long-Term Care Facilities: Biloxi has several large facilities, like Biloxi Senior Care & Rehabilitation and Palace Care & Rehabilitation. These facilities often provide sign-on bonuses and offer a different rhythm of care. For nurses burnt out on hospital shifts, this can be a sustainable long-term career path.

Insider Tip: The job market here is relationship-driven. A huge number of nurses get hired through word-of-mouth or internal referrals. If you're moving here, join the Mississippi Nurses Association and attend local events. Many nurses work per-diem at two different facilities to maximize income and flexibility.

Getting Licensed in MS

Mississippi is a compact state (NLC), which is a massive advantage. If you hold a multi-state license from another NLC state, you can work in Mississippi immediately. If not, the process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

Requirements & Costs:

1. NCLEX-RN Exam: You must have passed this. Your nursing school transcript and NCLEX results are verified by the Mississippi Board of Nursing (MBON).
2. Application: Apply online through the MBON website. The application fee is $100.
3. Fingerprinting: You must complete a fingerprint card (often done at the local police station or a vendor). The processing fee is roughly $50.
4. Background Check: The MBON conducts a criminal background check. No serious felonies are permitted.
5. If coming from a non-compact state: You'll need to apply for licensure by endorsement. This involves verifying your original license with your home state's board. There is no extra fee beyond the application and fingerprinting, but it takes time.

Timeline:

• For Compact State Nurses: You can start applying for jobs immediately. You can begin working once your fingerprinting and background check clear (usually 1-2 weeks after submission).
• For Non-Compact State Nurses: Plan for 4-8 weeks. Submit your application as soon as you accept a job offer. Most employers will hold a position for you if you're in process.

Insider Tip: The MBON can be backlogged. If you're in a hurry, call them directly. Don't wait for emails. Also, ensure your nursing education program is accredited (CCNE or ACEN). International graduates have a much more complex path and should contact the board early.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Biloxi is spread out. Your commute depends entirely on where you work and where you live. Here are the top picks for RNs.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's a Good Fit
East Biloxi / Keesler AFB Area	Quiet, suburban, family-friendly. 10-15 min commute to most hospitals.	$950	Proximity to the VA and Keesler jobs. Safe, with newer subdivisions. Easy access to US-90 for commuting to Gulfport.
Back Bay / Point Cadet	Historic, coastal living. 5-15 min commute.	$975	You can walk to the beach. Older, charming homes and apartments. Close to the VA clinic and Biloxi Community Hospital. The "local" feel.
D'Iberville (just north)	Modern, retail-focused. 20-25 min commute to Gulfport hospitals.	$900	Newer apartments, big-box shopping, and easy access to I-110. A great option if you work at Memorial Gulfport and want lower rent.
Downtown / Arts District	Urban, walkable, lively. 5-10 min commute to local hospitals.	$1,000	Best for night-shift nurses who want to be near restaurants and bars on their off days. Parking can be a challenge.
St. Martin / Latimer	Rural, residential, more space. 15-20 min commute.	$850	You get more house for your money. Ideal if you have a family or want a quieter, small-town feel while still being in the metro area.

Insider Tip: Traffic on Highway 90 (the main coastal road) can be a nightmare during summer tourist season and during Mardi Gras parades (Jan-Feb). If you work in Gulfport, living in D'Iberville or East Biloxi lets you take Highway 53 or I-110, which often moves faster.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Biloxi's nursing market rewards specialization and relationships. The 10-year job growth of 6% means you'll need to be proactive about advancement.

Specialty Premiums (Estimated Annual Add-On):

• ICU/CCU: +$8,000 - $12,000
• ER/Trauma: +$7,000 - $10,000
• OR/Perioperative: +$6,000 - $9,000
• Labor & Delivery: +$5,000 - $8,000
• Psychiatric: +$4,000 - $7,000

Advancement Paths:
The most common path is from staff nurse to charge nurse, then to unit manager or director. However, many Biloxi nurses find lucrative niches outside the hospital:

• Home Health: Agencies are always hiring. You get autonomy and a different pace. Pay can be competitive, especially for wound care specialists.
• Occupational Health: With Keesler AFB and the port of Gulfport, there are opportunities in industrial health and military health.
• Case Management: Often a remote or hybrid role for insurance companies or hospital systems. Great for nurses looking to get out of direct patient care but stay in the field.
• Nurse Practitioner (NP): The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) in nearby Hattiesburg has a strong NP program. Many local nurses get their MSN and transition to primary care or specialty practices. This is the most significant salary jump, often pushing you into the $110,000+ range.

10-Year Outlook:
Biloxi's population is aging, and larger healthcare systems (like Memorial) are consolidating services. The trend is toward more outpatient care and specialty clinics. Nurses with skills in telehealth, chronic disease management (diabetes, hypertension, heart failure), and gerontology will be in high demand. The growth is not in adding more beds, but in managing population health more efficiently.

The Verdict: Is Biloxi Right for You?

Biloxi offers a unique proposition: a lower-stress coastal lifestyle with a cost of living that makes a nursing salary feel like a king's ransom. It’s not for the nurse seeking the highest absolute pay or the fastest-paced, cutting-edge tech hospital. It is for the nurse who values balance, community, and financial stability.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary stretches incredibly far.	Lower Absolute Pay: You won't find salaries as high as in major metros.
Stable Job Market: Consistent demand in a healthcare-centric region.	Limited Specialties: Fewer Level I trauma centers or niche research hospitals.
Coastal Lifestyle: Beach access, fishing, and a relaxed pace.	Tourist & Hurricane Season: Traffic and infrastructure stress during peak seasons.
Compact State License: Easy to move from other NLC states.	Limited Public Transit: A car is an absolute necessity.
Strong Federal Sector: Keesler AFB and VA offer great benefits.	Slower Career Growth: Advancement can be relationship-based and slower.

Final Recommendation:
Biloxi is an excellent choice for nurses in the mid-career stage (5-15 years) who are looking to buy a home, start a family, or slow down their pace of life without sacrificing professional respect or income. It's also a smart strategic move for new grads from the Gulf South region who want to start their careers with low debt and high local support. If you crave the intensity of a major academic medical center, look to Jackson. If you want a balanced life where your paycheck covers your mortgage, your car, and a boat slip, Biloxi is a hidden gem.

FAQs

Q: What's the cost of living like compared to other coastal cities?
A: Dramatically lower. Compared to Mobile, AL or Pensacola, FL, Biloxi's rent is often 20-30% cheaper. Compared to New Orleans, it's a bargain. You get the coastal environment without the major city price tag.

Q: Do I need a car in Biloxi?
A: Yes, absolutely. Public transportation (Coast Transit Authority) exists but is limited to main routes and does not run late at night or on weekends. Hospital shifts often start early or end late, and getting there reliably requires a personal vehicle.

Q: How is the nursing community in Biloxi?
A: It's tight-knit. Nurses tend to stay with employers for a long time. There's a strong sense of camaraderie, especially among those who've weathered hurricanes and COVID surges together. The Mississippi Nurses Association District 7 (Coastal) is active and a good place to network.

Q: Is there a high risk of hurricanes affecting my job?
A: Yes, it's a reality of coastal life. Hospitals have robust disaster plans. Keesler AFB, being a federal facility, is incredibly resilient. You will be expected to work during and after storms if it's safe to do so. This is part of the job in this region, and it often brings the team closer.

Q: Can I live in Biloxi and work strictly in Gulfport?
A: Yes, and many do. The commute along Highway 90 or via I-110 is straightforward, usually 15-25 minutes. It's a very common pattern. Living in Biloxi saves on rent and property taxes, while working in Gulfport provides access to the larger hospital campuses.