Welder in Biloxi, MS

The Salary Picture: Where Biloxi Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers, because Biloxi's welding job market is a specific, coastal niche. The median salary for a welder in Biloxi is $47,998/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.08/hour. It's important to note that this is slightly below the national average for welders, which sits at $49,590/year. However, the local context changes the calculus significantly. The metro area has approximately 98 welding jobs, a small but steady number. The 10-year job growth projection is a modest 2%, which signals stability rather than explosive growth. In short, Biloxi isn't a boomtown for welders, but it's a consistent market with a lower cost of living that can make that salary go further.

To understand where you fit, here’s a realistic experience breakdown for the Biloxi area. These figures are estimates based on local industry conversations and regional pay scales, aligned with the provided median.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate	Common Roles in Biloxi
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$38,000 - $42,000	$18.25 - $20.20/hr	Apprentice, Fitter's Helper, Production Welder
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$45,000 - $52,000	$21.63 - $25.00/hr	Journeyman Welder, Maintenance Technician
Senior (8-15 years)	$53,000 - $60,000	$25.48 - $28.85/hr	Lead Welder, QC Inspector, Specialized Fabricator
Expert/Specialist (15+ years)	$61,000+	$29.33+/hr	CWI, Advanced Nuclear/ Marine Welder, Shop Supervisor

When compared to other Mississippi cities, Biloxi's welding pay is middle-of-the-pack. Jackson, with its larger industrial base and state government, often pays a premium, with median salaries closer to $50,000. Gulfport, its immediate neighbor, is very similar to Biloxi, though the presence of major shipyards can sometimes push top-end wages higher for those with the right certifications. Hattiesburg and Oxford have smaller markets and generally lower pay scales, often in the low $40,000s. Biloxi's edge isn't the highest pay, but the combination of a stable wage and the low cost of living on the Gulf Coast.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary of $47,998 looks different once Mississippi's state income tax (a graduated rate from 0% to 5%) and federal taxes are deducted. A rough estimate for a single filer with no dependents might see a net take-home pay of around $3,300 - $3,500 per month, depending on pre-tax deductions like health insurance. This is where Biloxi starts to shine.

Let's break down a monthly budget for a single welder earning the median salary.

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$3,999.83	Based on $47,998/yr
Estimated Taxes & Deductions	-$600 - $700	State/Federal taxes, insurance, retirement
Net Monthly Income	~$3,300	Your actual take-home
Rent (1BR Average)	-$923	City-wide median. Can be lower or higher.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas)	-$150	High A/C use in summer months.
Groceries	-$300
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	-$400	Essential; public transit is limited.
Health Insurance	-$150	If not fully covered by employer.
Miscellaneous	-$200	Phone, personal care, etc.
Remaining/Discretionary	~$1,177

This leaves a healthy cushion for savings, debt repayment, or leisure. The median 1BR rent of $923 is a key factor. In a city like Jackson, the same salary would face rents closer to $1,100+, significantly tightening the budget.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in the Biloxi area hovers around $180,000 - $200,000. With the budget above, a welder earning $47,998 could comfortably afford a mortgage on a modest home, especially with a good down payment. The cost of living index of 89.3 (US avg = 100) means your dollar stretches further here than in most of the country, making homeownership a realistic goal for a mid-career professional.

Where the Jobs Are: Biloxi's Major Employers

The welding jobs in Biloxi are heavily tied to the Gulf of Mexico. The local economy is a mix of tourism, gaming, and heavy industry. Here are the primary employers for welders and what they're looking for:

1. Huntingdon Ingalls Industries (Pascagoula Shipyard): While the main yard is across the bay in Pascagoula, it's a massive employer for the entire region. They build and repair Navy ships and commercial vessels. They need structural welders, pipe welders, and those with ABS or Navy specs. Hiring is cyclical based on government contracts. Insider Tip: They heavily favor candidates with AWS D1.1 and D1.5 certifications.

2. Keesler Air Force Base: The 81st Maintenance Group performs aircraft structural repair and maintenance. They need welders for aerospace applications (often requiring TIG and specialized alloy knowledge). As a federal facility, they have specific hiring pathways, often through USAJobs.gov. Stability is excellent, but the process can be slower.

3. Local Shipyards & Fabrication Shops: Smaller yards like Biloxi Marine or Coastal Ship & Marine focus on commercial fishing vessels, pleasure craft, and barge repair. They need versatile MIG and stick welders for steel and aluminum. Hiring is more responsive and often happens through word-of-mouth.

4. Industrial Contractors (Gulf Coast Region): Companies like BrandSafway or Bollinger Shipyards (in nearby Lockport) have projects in the area. They need welders for temporary projects on offshore platforms, refineries, and industrial plants. This is project-based work, offering variety but less stability.

5. General Fabrication & Manufacturing: Shops like Gulf Coast Welding & Fabrication or Coastal Steelworks serve the local construction and marine industries. They build railings, gates, structural components, and custom pieces. This is a great place for mid-career welders to gain diverse experience.

6. Public Works & Infrastructure: The City of Biloxi and Harrison County hire welders for maintaining public infrastructure—water treatment plants, park facilities, and road equipment. These jobs offer good benefits and stability but may require additional certifications for public sector work.

Hiring Trends: The market is stable but not booming. Most hiring is for replacement due to retirement, not expansion. Having a clean driving record and being willing to work on-call for storm-related repairs is a significant advantage in this coastal area.

Getting Licensed in MS

Mississippi does not have a state-level mandatory licensing requirement for welders to practice. You do not need a state-issued "welder's license" to work. However, certification is everything for employability.

1. AWS Certification: The American Welding Society (AWS) certifications are the industry standard. The most common is the AWS D1.1 Structural Steel certification. Getting certified typically costs $200 - $400 for the test, which you can take at local technical colleges like Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) or at private testing facilities.
2. Specialty Certifications: For marine work, American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) or Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) certifications are often required. These are more expensive and rigorous, often costing $500+ for the test and requiring documented hours of experience.
3. Timeline: If you're starting from zero, you can enroll in a welding program at MGCCC. Their 1-year Technical Certificate program costs roughly $4,500 in tuition and provides the training and practice needed to pursue certifications. From there, you can get jobs as an apprentice. For an experienced welder moving in, the timeline is short—if you have your certs, you can start applying immediately, often securing a job within 1-3 months.

Best Neighborhoods for Welders

Choosing a neighborhood in Biloxi depends on your work location and lifestyle. Commutes are short, but traffic can be congested near the casinos and I-10.

1. North Biloxi / "The Back Bay": This is the historic core, with a mix of old homes and new developments. It's close to the CSX railyard and some industrial shops. Rent is reasonable, with 1BR apartments averaging $850 - $950. The commute to shipyards on the west side of the bay is easy. A solid, no-frills choice for working professionals.

2. East Biloxi / The Point: Home to Keesler AFB and the Biloxi Beach area. It's more residential and tourist-heavy. Rent can be higher here ($950 - $1,100 for a 1BR), but it's ideal if you work at the base or want to be near the beach. Traffic can be a headache during tourist season.

3. West Biloxi / The Industrial Corridor: This area, near the I-110 loop and the bridge to Gulfport, is where many fabrication shops and smaller shipyards are located. It's less about nightlife and more about function. Rents here are among the lowest ($750 - $850 for a 1BR), and you can be at work in minutes. A practical choice for someone focused on saving money.

4. D'Iberville (Just North): Technically its own city but part of the metro, D'Iberville offers newer apartment complexes and a quieter, suburban feel. Commute to Biloxi is a quick 10-15 minutes via I-110. Rents are very competitive, often $800 - $900 for a modern 1BR. Great for families or those who want a break from the coastal bustle.

5. Gulfport (Next Door): If you're willing to cross the bay, Gulfport offers a similar cost of living but a larger job market, especially for marine and industrial work. Neighborhoods like West Gulfport or Orange Grove are popular with industrial workers. Rent is comparable to Biloxi.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Biloxi, career growth isn't about climbing a corporate ladder in a single company; it's about acquiring specialized skills that command a premium in this niche market.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest pay jumps come from specialization. A welder certified in Stainless Steel TIG for food processing or marine exhaust systems can earn $5-$8 more per hour. Underwater welding (commercial diving) is the pinnacle, but it requires expensive training ( $15,000+ ) and is physically demanding. Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) is a logical next step for senior welders, pushing salaries toward $70,000+ with more desk work.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Path 1: Production Welder -> Lead Hand -> Shop Supervisor. This is the most common path within a single fabrication shop.
  • Path 2: Field Welder -> Project Manager for a contractor. Requires learning estimating and client management.
  • Path 3: Journeyman -> CWI -> QA/QC Manager. This moves you into inspection and compliance, a high-demand role in shipbuilding and energy.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 2% growth means the market isn't expanding, but it's also not disappearing. The key will be the retirement of the baby boomer generation of welders. This will create openings, but employers will be picky. They will favor welders who are versatile, have a clean record, and can pass drug tests (strictly enforced in marine and federal work). The growth will be in specialized maintenance and repair, not new construction. Your best bet for significant wage growth is to gain experience and then leverage it for a role in Pascagoula's larger shipyards or in the energy sector along the coast.

The Verdict: Is Biloxi Right for You?

Biloxi offers a compelling, if specific, value proposition for a welder. It's not a place for someone chasing the highest possible salary, but for someone who values work-life balance, a low cost of living, and a unique coastal lifestyle.

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living (Index 89.3)	Lower-Than-Average Salary ($47,998 vs. Nat'l $49,590)
Stable, Niche Job Market (Marine/Defense)	Limited Job Variety (98 total jobs, 2% growth)
No State Licensing Barrier	High Competition for Top-Tier Jobs (e.g., Keesler, HII)
Access to Gulf Coast Lifestyle	Seasonal Tourism Traffic
Realistic Path to Homeownership	Susceptible to Hurricane Disruption

Final Recommendation: Biloxi is a strong choice for:

• A welder with 3-7 years of experience and the right certifications (AWS D1.1, ABS).
• Someone who prioritizes affordability and coastal living over maximum salary.
• A professional seeking stability in a market tied to national defense and essential marine industries.
• A welder looking to buy a home on a solid middle-class income.

It is not the best choice for:

• A brand-new apprentice with no experience.
• Someone seeking rapid career advancement in a corporate structure.
• A welder who wants a wide variety of industries (e.g., automotive, aerospace, oil & gas) all in one city.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to know someone to get a welding job in Biloxi?
A: It helps, but it's not required. The market is small enough that word travels fast, but formal applications through company websites, Indeed, and local unions (like the International Association of Machinists) are effective. Having your AWS certification listed prominently is the best way to get your foot in the door.

Q: What's the best certification to get for Biloxi?
A: Start with AWS D1.1 Structural Steel. It's the most versatile and accepted by the widest range of employers, from general fabrication to shipbuilding. For marine work, pursue ABS certifications once you have a foot in the door.

Q: Is the work seasonal due to tourism?
A: Not for industrial welders. Shipyard, fabrication, and base work are year-round. However, if you take on side gigs (e.g., custom gates for tourist properties), you may see a slight seasonal ebb and flow.

Q: How do I handle hurricanes?
A: This is a real consideration. Major storms can shut down work for a week or more. Good employers have plans, and you should have an emergency fund. The upside is that post-storm repair work often leads to overtime and supplemental income for skilled welders.

Q: Can I live on the water on a welder's salary?
A: Direct waterfront property is likely out of reach on a $47,998 salary. However, living in a neighborhood like North Biloxi or East Biloxi puts you minutes from the beach or Back Bay for a very affordable rent, allowing you to enjoy the coastal lifestyle without the premium price tag.