Catering Manager Jobs in Gulfport, MS

Gulfport, Mississippi$51,000 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

Catering Manager Salary in Gulfport

Entry Level
$32,513
Median
$51,000
Senior Level
$73,313

Catering Manager salaries in Gulfport are 15% below the national average, though the lower cost of living often provides similar purchasing power.

Purchasing power in Gulfport is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Event PlanningClient RelationsMenu PlanningStaff CoordinationBudget Management

Catering Manager Job Market in Gulfport

Gulfport, MS is a specialized market with unique career opportunities for Catering Manager professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Gulfport offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. While Tourism leads the local economy, there's growing demand for Catering Manager roles across various sectors. The market for Catering Manager positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Catering Managers in Gulfport

Local governmentRegional employersNational companies

Major employers hiring Catering Managers in Gulfport include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Catering Managers in Gulfport

Living in Gulfport as a Catering Manager means navigating a cost of living that's below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious professionals. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. At median Catering Manager salary, rent would consume about 42% of gross income - above the recommended 30% threshold. Consider roommates or suburban options. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

85
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 4
Market Size

Commuting as a Catering Manager in Gulfport

Gulfport Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Catering Managers in Gulfport: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Catering Manager professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Mississippi

Mississippi has moderate state income taxes. When evaluating offers, consider total compensation including benefits, not just base salary. Local cost of living typically has more impact on your finances than state tax differences.

Career Outlook for Catering Managers

The job outlook for Catering Managers in Gulfport is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Gulfport offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include Event Planning, Client Relations, Menu Planning, Staff Coordination.

Relocating to Gulfport

Gulfport's affordable cost of living means your Catering Manager salary will stretch further than in major coastal cities. Many professionals relocate here for better quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Catering Manager salary in Gulfport, MS?

The average Catering Manager salary in Gulfport, MS is $51,000 per year. Entry-level Catering Managers typically start around $32,513, while experienced professionals can earn $73,313 or more. The national average for Catering Manager roles is $60,000.

How many Catering Manager jobs are available in Gulfport?

Gulfport has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Catering Manager professionals. Major employers hiring Catering Managers include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. The Tourism and Gaming sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Gulfport a good city for Catering Managers?

Gulfport is an solid choice for Catering Managers. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. The affordable cost of living means salaries go further than in more expensive markets. The city's tourism industry creates strong demand for hospitality & tourism professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Catering Managers in Gulfport?

Top skills for Catering Managers in Gulfport include Event Planning, Client Relations, Menu Planning, Staff Coordination, Budget Management. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Catering Managers in Gulfport?

Gulfport's cost of living is below the national average (85% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Gulfport is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Catering Managers in Gulfport?

Gulfport Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

More Hospitality & Tourism Jobs in Gulfport

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