Web Developer in Biloxi, MS

The Salary Picture: Where Biloxi Stands

As a longtime Biloxi resident who's watched the tech scene evolve alongside the casinos and coastal restoration, I can tell you this: web development here isn't the gold rush it is in Austin or Raleigh, but it's a solid, sustainable career with a cost of living that makes your paycheck stretch further. The median salary for web developers in the Biloxi metro area is $89,772/year, which breaks down to $43.16/hour. That's slightly below the national average of $92,750/year, but the difference is more than made up for by our significantly lower living costs.

Let's put those numbers in perspective with an experience-level breakdown. While specific Biloxi-level data is sparse, we can extrapolate from regional trends and conversations with local hiring managers:

Experience Level	Biloxi Salary Range (Annual)	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$55,000 - $70,000	Often starts in junior roles at digital agencies or smaller tech teams.
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$75,000 - $95,000	The sweet spot for most local opportunities; full-stack skills are key.
Senior-Level (6-9 years)	$95,000 - $115,000	Leads teams; specializes in complex systems or architecture.
Expert/Lead (10+ years)	$115,000 - $135,000+	Niche expertise (e.g., fintech, security) or management track.

Comparison to Other Mississippi Cities:

• Jackson: Median salary is comparable at ~$90k, but the metro population (around 146,000) offers more corporate opportunities (e.g., State Farm, Entergy). Rents are higher, averaging $1,050/month for a 1BR.
• Gulfport: Essentially Biloxi's twin, with a median salary of $88,500/year. The job market is intertwined, with many companies serving both cities.
• Hattiesburg: Home to the University of Southern Mississippi, the tech scene is more startup-focused. Median salary is lower at $82,000/year, but rents are cheaper (~$850/month).

Insider Tip: The 10-year job growth for web developers here is 16%, which outpaces the national average. This is driven by two factors: the slow but steady diversification of the economy beyond tourism/gaming, and the digital transformation of legacy industries (hospitality, healthcare, marine services).

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about finances. On a $89,772 annual salary, your take-home pay after federal taxes, Mississippi state tax (4.75%), and FICA is approximately $67,500/year or $5,625/month (this is an estimate; use a paycheck calculator for precision). Biloxi’s cost of living index is 89.3 (U.S. avg = 100), so your money goes about 10.7% further than the national average.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Web Developer earning $89,772/year):

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$923	Average for the metro; can be lower in certain neighborhoods.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Internet)	$200 - $250	Internet is essential; Cox and AT&T are the main providers.
Groceries	$300 - $400	Publix, Walmart, and local markets like Biloxi Farmers Market.
Transportation	$200 - $350	Car is essential; gas is cheaper than national avg.
Health Insurance (if not fully covered)	$250 - $400	Varies widely by employer.
Discretionary (Dining, Entertainment)	$400 - $600	Plenty of affordable seafood and free beach activities.
Savings/Retirement (15-20%)	$850 - $1,125	Crucial for long-term stability.
Total	~$3,123 - $4,048	Leaves a healthy surplus for savings or debt.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Biloxi is around $185,000. With a 20% down payment ($37,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would have a monthly payment of roughly $930 (including property taxes and insurance). This is very close to the average rent. The key is saving for the down payment. With the surplus from the budget above, saving $1,500/month gets you to $37,000 in about 2 years. Many local lenders (like PriorityOne Bank or Coastal Credit) offer first-time homebuyer programs with lower down payments.

Insider Tip: Look into the Mississippi Home Corporation’s programs, like the Smart Solution or Home Flex, which offer down payment assistance and favorable rates for qualifying buyers.

Where the Jobs Are: Biloxi's Major Employers

Biloxi’s tech job market is unique. You won't find the density of startups in Jackson, but there are stable, well-paying opportunities, especially in sectors that require a digital presence.

1. Gaming & Hospitality (The Big Players):

   • MGM Resorts International (MGM Mirage): Their Biloxi operations (Beau Rivage, MGM Park) employ a significant IT team for their complex reservation, loyalty, and gaming systems. Look for roles under "Digital" or "Enterprise Technology."
   • Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi: Similar to MGM, they need developers for their website, app, and internal systems. They often hire through their corporate office but have local IT support.
   • Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana (Paragon Casino Resort): While the casino is in Marksville, LA, the Tribe's corporate offices and related businesses often have IT needs that serve the Gulf Coast region.

2. Healthcare (Major Regional Hubs):

   • Memorial Hospital at Gulfport: The largest hospital system in the area. They need web developers for patient portals, internal applications, and public-facing websites. The IT department is sizable and stable.
   • Biloxi Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center: A federal employer with a need for secure, accessible web applications for veterans' services. Federal jobs offer excellent benefits but have a lengthy hiring process.

3. Government & Education:

   • City of Biloxi / Harrison County: Municipal governments need developers for public information websites, permit portals, and internal systems. These are stable, pension-eligible jobs.
   • Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC): The college's IT department and continuing education division (which offers tech courses) sometimes hire for web development roles to maintain their digital infrastructure.

4. Local Digital Agencies & IT Firms:

   • Coastal Creative / Creative Circle: These smaller agencies serve local businesses (real estate, restaurants, small manufacturers). They’re great for building a diverse portfolio and offer more creative freedom, though salaries may start lower.
   • Hancock Bank (now Cadence Bank): Headquartered in Gulfport, their digital banking team requires web developers for online and mobile banking platforms.

Hiring Trends: There's a growing demand for developers who understand accessibility (WCAG), especially for healthcare and government clients. Knowledge of WordPress is still highly valuable for the many small businesses, but React and Node.js are increasingly sought after for more sophisticated applications. Remote work is possible but not as prevalent as in larger metros; hybrid models are more common.

Getting Licensed in MS

Good news: Mississippi has no state-specific licensing requirements for web developers. The field is unlicensed, which is standard across the U.S. You don't need a state license to call yourself a web developer or to work as one.

What you do need:

• A Strong Portfolio: This is your "license" to practice. Show real-world projects, even if they're personal or for non-profits.
• Relevant Education or Experience: A degree in Computer Science or a related field is helpful but not mandatory. Bootcamp certificates and proven experience are equally valued.
• Certifications (Optional but Beneficial): While not required, certifications from AWS, Google Cloud, or specific frameworks (like React) can boost your resume.

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Months 1-3: Build or polish your portfolio. Focus on 3-4 high-quality projects that demonstrate your skills.
2. Month 4: Start applying to local jobs. Tailor your resume for each application. Network on LinkedIn with local tech professionals.
3. Month 5-6: Be prepared for interviews. For local companies, expect a mix of technical questions and culture-fit conversations. Your willingness to work on-site will be a plus.

Cost: The main cost is your own time and any expenses for hosting your portfolio (e.g., $10-$20/month for a domain and basic hosting). No state fees are involved.

Best Neighborhoods for Web Developers

Biloxi is spread out, and your commute can vary. Here are neighborhoods that balance lifestyle, cost, and proximity to major employers:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Why It's a Good Fit
East Biloxi (Near I-10)	Suburban, family-friendly, close to the VA and Memorial Hospital. Easy highway access.	$850 - $1,000	Ideal for those working in healthcare or government. Quieter, with good amenities.
Downtown Biloxi	Historic, walkable, close to casinos and the Port. More character, but can be noisy.	$900 - $1,200	Best for those working in hospitality/gaming IT. Walk to work if you're at MGM or Hard Rock.
North Biloxi / Oakhaven	Residential, affordable, and close to the I-110 corridor. A short drive to Gulfport.	$750 - $900	Great for budget-conscious developers. Easy commute to most major employers.
Gulfport (Adjacent City)	Larger city feel, more retail/dining options. Home to Cadence Bank HQ and MGCCC.	$850 - $1,050	A strong alternative if you want a slightly larger metro feel with similar salaries.
Ocean Springs (East)	Artsy, upscale, and walkable with a strong local business scene. A 20-25 min commute to Biloxi.	$950 - $1,300	Perfect for freelancers or agency workers who value a creative community.

Insider Tip: Traffic is generally light, but the Hwy 90 (Beach Boulevard) and I-10 can bottleneck during tourist season (spring/summer) and Mardi Gras. A commute from Ocean Springs to Biloxi can take 30+ minutes during peak times.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 16% 10-year growth projection is promising, but your trajectory depends on specialization.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Full-Stack & DevOps: Developers who can manage both front-end and back-end, plus deployment (AWS, Docker), can command 10-15% above the median.
  • E-commerce & Security: With Biloxi's retail and gaming focus, skills in Shopify, WooCommerce, and cybersecurity are highly valued.
  • Freelancing: The local market is underserved. A skilled freelancer can build a client base of small businesses, restaurants, and real estate agents, potentially exceeding the median salary with hustle.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Technical Lead: Move from coding to leading a small team (2-5 people). Requires strong communication and project management.
  2. Specialist: Become the go-to expert for a specific technology (e.g., accessibility, React Native for mobile apps).
  3. Management: Transition to IT Director or CTO, often at a larger local company (hospital, casino, municipality). This path may require additional education or certifications.

• 10-Year Outlook: By 2034, expect more remote opportunities as companies get comfortable with distributed teams. The local market will likely see growth in fintech (due to banking and insurance) and healthtech (driven by the VA and Memorial Hospital). Staying current with cloud technologies and AI-assisted development will be critical.

The Verdict: Is Biloxi Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes far. Homeownership is attainable.	Limited Job Market: Fewer openings than major metros; you may need to be patient.
Stable, Growing Demand: 16% growth is solid for a small metro.	Lower Ceiling: Top-end salaries are lower than in tech hubs.
Unique Industry Mix: Work on projects for casinos, hospitals, and marine tech.	Network Size: The tech community is smaller; you'll need to be proactive to network.
Quality of Life: Beaches, seafood, festivals, and a relaxed pace.	Car Dependency: You need a car; public transit is limited.
No Licensing Hurdles: Start working as soon as you have skills.	Slower Pace of Innovation: Fewer cutting-edge startups compared to larger cities.

Final Recommendation:
Biloxi is an excellent choice for mid-career developers seeking a better work-life balance and financial stability. It's less ideal for those chasing the highest possible salary or wanting to be at the bleeding edge of tech startups. If you value a manageable cost of living, a unique industry landscape, and a coastal lifestyle, Biloxi is a fantastic place to build a career. For recent graduates, it’s a good place to start, but be prepared to possibly work in a junior role at a local agency or hospital to gain experience before moving up.

FAQs

Q: Is it easy to find a web developer job in Biloxi without a degree?
A: Yes. The local market is more skills-and-portfolio-focused than degree-obsessed. A strong portfolio demonstrating your ability to build functional, clean websites will open doors. Many local agencies and small businesses care more about what you can do than where you learned it.

Q: How does the salary compare if I work remotely for a national company but live in Biloxi?
A: This is a powerful strategy. You could earn a national salary (e.g., $110,000) while paying Biloxi's cost of living. This maximizes your purchasing power significantly. However, ensure the company is open to remote work and understands the time zone (Central). Tax implications should be reviewed with a professional.

Q: What’s the tech community like? Are there meetups?
A: It's intimate but growing. There are occasional meetups through Mississippi Gulf Coast Tech or Meetup.com, often held in Gulfport or Biloxi. The Mississippi Devs Discord group is a good online resource. Professional networking requires more effort; attending events in Jackson or New Orleans a few times a year can be beneficial.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for web developers moving to Biloxi?
A: The biggest challenge is the limited pipeline of senior-level roles. You might hit a ceiling after 5-7 years if you don't specialize or pursue leadership. The solution is to develop a niche skill (like accessibility or full-stack DevOps) or consider a hybrid role that includes project management.

Q: Should I consider living in Gulfport instead?
A: It's a very valid option. Gulfport is larger, has a slightly different employer base (Cadence Bank, more manufacturing), and rents can be comparable or slightly lower. The job markets are intertwined, so you’d be applying to the same pool of Biloxi/Gulfport employers. It boils down to personal preference for city vibe.