Mississippi salaries by occupation
The median worker in Mississippi earned $39,070 a year in 2024, about $18.78 an hour, 21.1% below the national median of $49,500. The state reports wages for 547 occupations.
Median pay $39,070 $18.78 per hour
Vs national median -21.1% U.S. $49,500
Workers 1,159,710 wage and salary
Occupations reported 547 with at least 100 employed
What Mississippi is unusually full of
Location quotient measures how concentrated an occupation is here against the country as a whole. A value of 3 means the state employs three times the national share of those workers. It describes a labour market far better than a list of the biggest employers, which in every state is dominated by retail and food service.
| Occupation | Concentration | Employed | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upholsterers | 15.68× | 2,480 | $46,900 |
| Psychiatric Aides | 9.47× | 2,480 | $30,660 |
| Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products | 6.54× | 1,320 | $31,660 |
| Logging Equipment Operators | 6.23× | 1,060 | $47,910 |
| Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers | 6.1× | 6,470 | $34,600 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers | 5.29× | 1,020 | $56,840 |
| Tire Builders | 5.11× | 810 | $51,390 |
| Slaughterers and Meat Packers | 4.57× | 2,320 | $34,750 |
| Gambling Dealers | 4.47× | 2,790 | $23,970 |
| Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood | 4.4× | 1,430 | $35,690 |
Metro areas in Mississippi
Pay varies more between cities than between states, and a statewide median averages over that. These are the 4 Mississippi metropolitan areas the survey covers.
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Workers | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis | $45,610 | $21.93 | 620,100 | #236 |
| Jackson | $42,010 | $20.20 | 268,750 | #330 |
| Gulfport-Biloxi | $41,610 | $20.01 | 158,310 | #335 |
| Hattiesburg | $36,360 | $17.48 | 62,320 | #382 |
Highest paying occupations
| Occupation | Median | Hourly | Employed | Rank of states |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family Medicine Physicians | $231,580 | $111.34 | 780 | #6 of 23 |
| Nurse Anesthetists | $197,490 | $94.95 | 270 | #22 of 25 |
| Psychiatrists | $195,210 | $93.85 | 100 | #7 of 10 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $136,010 | $65.39 | 880 | #45 of 49 |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $132,630 | n/a | 2,110 | #5 of 49 |
| Pharmacists | $132,420 | $63.66 | 3,060 | #46 of 51 |
| Dentists, General | $128,570 | $61.81 | 830 | #44 of 46 |
| Chief Executives | $125,340 | $60.26 | 440 | #30 of 33 |
| Nurse Practitioners | $119,290 | $57.35 | 4,170 | #45 of 50 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $117,350 | $56.42 | 1,780 | #48 of 49 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $113,730 | $54.68 | 190 | #39 of 46 |
| Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers | $113,730 | $54.68 | 260 | #3 of 39 |
Where most people work
| Occupation | Employed | Median | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Salespersons | 36,330 | $27,810 | $13.37 |
| Cashiers | 31,870 | $22,410 | $10.77 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 31,010 | $22,280 | $10.71 |
| Registered Nurses | 29,400 | $74,470 | $35.80 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | 28,460 | $35,920 | $17.27 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 26,910 | $34,690 | $16.68 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | 25,490 | $50,700 | $24.38 |
| Customer Service Representatives | 20,240 | $35,580 | $17.11 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 19,020 | $23,640 | $11.36 |
| Office Clerks, General | 18,290 | $32,480 | $15.62 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 state estimates. Wage and salary workers only, excluding the self-employed.
Every occupation reported in Mississippi
Grouped by field. Each links to a comparison of that job across all states.
Production 70
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers $107,110
- Power Plant Operators $94,930
- Print Binding and Finishing Workers $89,880
- Gas Plant Operators $79,530
- Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers $77,090
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers $64,510
- Plant and System Operators, All Other $63,260
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders $57,020
- Chemical Plant and System Operators $55,750
- Tool and Die Makers $52,230
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators $51,960
- Tire Builders $51,390
- Machinists $50,460
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $49,750
- Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $49,720
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $49,490
- Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $48,790
- Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $48,360
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $47,790
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters $47,700
- Medical Appliance Technicians $46,990
- Upholsterers $46,900
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $46,500
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators $44,970
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $44,260
- Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders $43,680
- Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $41,550
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $41,490
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $41,410
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $41,260
- Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators $40,790
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $40,700
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators $40,250
- Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $40,190
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators $39,870
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers $39,580
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $39,570
- Foundry Mold and Coremakers $39,370
- Printing Press Operators $38,980
- Food Processing Workers, All Other $38,940
- Sewing Machine Operators $38,690
- Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers $38,480
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters $38,460
- Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders $38,370
- Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $38,160
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $37,890
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $37,840
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers $37,420
- Dental Laboratory Technicians $37,390
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing $37,100
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders $37,060
- Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders $37,030
- Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $35,780
- Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers $35,710
- Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood $35,690
- Food Batchmakers $35,320
- Slaughterers and Meat Packers $34,750
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers $34,600
- Production Workers, All Other $34,550
- Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders $34,410
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $33,700
- Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders $32,260
- Helpers--Production Workers $31,900
- Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders $30,820
- Bakers $30,620
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic $30,070
- Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians $28,930
- Butchers and Meat Cutters $28,590
- Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials $26,300
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers $24,120
Education and library 45
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $132,630
- Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $101,650
- Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $85,360
- Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary $78,280
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary $77,100
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary $76,060
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary $73,160
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other $72,550
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary $67,590
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $66,960
- History Teachers, Postsecondary $64,660
- Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary $64,580
- Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $64,270
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $64,190
- Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary $64,160
- Communications Teachers, Postsecondary $63,440
- Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary $62,900
- Instructional Coordinators $62,750
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $61,920
- Physics Teachers, Postsecondary $61,890
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $61,670
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary $61,160
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary $61,150
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School $56,990
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School $52,400
- Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $52,320
- Tutors $52,060
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary $50,510
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors $50,430
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists $50,320
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School $50,030
- Self-Enrichment Teachers $49,830
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School $49,760
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $49,720
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $49,340
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School $48,860
- Special Education Teachers, Preschool $48,500
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $48,440
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education $47,970
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other $46,160
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $26,620
- Library Technicians $26,080
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $21,790
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term $21,120
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary $18,670
Office and administrative support 44
- Postal Service Clerks $59,550
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators $55,410
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants $54,090
- Postal Service Mail Carriers $53,600
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers $53,440
- Cargo and Freight Agents $49,950
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other $48,530
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks $48,390
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance $46,240
- Procurement Clerks $45,470
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $43,830
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other $43,830
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks $43,790
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping $43,420
- Order Clerks $41,500
- Billing and Posting Clerks $41,440
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks $40,070
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks $39,590
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks $38,670
- New Accounts Clerks $38,600
- Meter Readers, Utilities $38,240
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs $37,980
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks $37,830
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping $37,690
- Bill and Account Collectors $36,610
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $36,570
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks $36,070
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive $36,000
- Customer Service Representatives $35,580
- Tellers $35,340
- Couriers and Messengers $34,930
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer $34,800
- Financial Clerks, All Other $34,110
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan $33,950
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks $33,530
- Data Entry Keyers $33,530
- Public Safety Telecommunicators $33,280
- Office Clerks, General $32,480
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service $31,560
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service $31,200
- Gambling Cage Workers $30,930
- Receptionists and Information Clerks $30,270
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks $26,720
- Library Assistants, Clerical $22,240
Healthcare practitioners 40
- Family Medicine Physicians $231,580
- Nurse Anesthetists $197,490
- Psychiatrists $195,210
- Pharmacists $132,420
- Dentists, General $128,570
- Nurse Practitioners $119,290
- Optometrists $107,600
- Physician Assistants $104,570
- Veterinarians $101,300
- Physical Therapists $97,080
- Occupational Therapists $92,330
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists $81,020
- Chiropractors $79,990
- Speech-Language Pathologists $75,790
- Registered Nurses $74,470
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers $73,440
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists $72,620
- Dental Hygienists $66,290
- Dietitians and Nutritionists $61,890
- Respiratory Therapists $61,320
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians $53,340
- Athletic Trainers $52,260
- Paramedics $51,290
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $48,850
- Surgical Technologists $48,020
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians $47,480
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians $45,120
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars $43,500
- Therapists, All Other $43,150
- Medical Records Specialists $39,970
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $38,290
- Pharmacy Technicians $38,210
- Recreational Therapists $38,170
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other $36,480
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians $36,090
- Emergency Medical Technicians $35,980
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians $35,960
- Opticians, Dispensing $35,530
- Psychiatric Technicians $29,970
- Dietetic Technicians $28,340
Installation, maintenance and repair 37
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay $90,690
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians $76,980
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment $70,390
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers $68,810
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers $68,440
- Avionics Technicians $66,580
- Riggers $61,860
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other $61,560
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers $59,250
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers $58,390
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines $57,660
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics $57,220
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door $55,000
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery $54,480
- Millwrights $53,070
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists $50,480
- Medical Equipment Repairers $49,400
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers $48,370
- Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians $47,470
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers $47,270
- Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers $47,000
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers $45,990
- Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians $44,010
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers $42,950
- Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians $42,900
- Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers $42,180
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General $40,580
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers $40,090
- Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers $38,520
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $38,070
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics $36,720
- Mechanical Door Repairers $34,220
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers $33,790
- Home Appliance Repairers $33,540
- Tire Repairers and Changers $33,480
- Motorcycle Mechanics $32,570
- Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles $31,720
Construction and extraction 32
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers $64,740
- Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas $62,410
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall $60,930
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $57,960
- Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas $57,450
- Electricians $57,300
- Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas $54,380
- Construction and Building Inspectors $49,750
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons $49,300
- Sheet Metal Workers $49,020
- Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas $48,060
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical $47,890
- Carpenters $46,160
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators $46,020
- Roustabouts, Oil and Gas $44,930
- Tile and Stone Setters $44,750
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers $44,460
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers $43,470
- Glaziers $42,990
- Pipelayers $41,260
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining $41,000
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance $40,750
- Roofers $40,480
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers $39,370
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers $38,740
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators $38,490
- Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $37,960
- Carpet Installers $37,700
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners $37,700
- Construction Laborers $37,180
- Helpers--Electricians $36,580
- Highway Maintenance Workers $34,090
Management 31
- Architectural and Engineering Managers $136,010
- Chief Executives $125,340
- Computer and Information Systems Managers $117,350
- Natural Sciences Managers $113,730
- Purchasing Managers $112,560
- Industrial Production Managers $109,990
- Sales Managers $106,290
- Financial Managers $105,970
- Human Resources Managers $103,150
- Managers, All Other $97,780
- Construction Managers $93,840
- Postmasters and Mail Superintendents $91,310
- Marketing Managers $91,030
- Facilities Managers $90,960
- Administrative Services Managers $90,710
- Public Relations Managers $90,630
- Medical and Health Services Managers $89,960
- General and Operations Managers $88,290
- Training and Development Managers $86,200
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary $85,670
- Education Administrators, All Other $83,990
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary $81,760
- Gambling Managers $78,340
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $77,390
- Social and Community Service Managers $67,080
- Funeral Home Managers $66,990
- Advertising and Promotions Managers $64,230
- Food Service Managers $51,430
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers $48,560
- Emergency Management Directors $47,850
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare $40,630
Business and financial 28
- Financial Examiners $92,590
- Financial and Investment Analysts $77,520
- Project Management Specialists $77,500
- Logisticians $76,280
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators $75,180
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other $74,990
- Budget Analysts $74,960
- Financial Specialists, All Other $74,960
- Credit Analysts $72,090
- Labor Relations Specialists $71,550
- Management Analysts $70,010
- Cost Estimators $66,410
- Compliance Officers $65,150
- Personal Financial Advisors $65,150
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents $64,290
- Accountants and Auditors $64,170
- Loan Officers $59,950
- Insurance Underwriters $58,760
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists $57,520
- Human Resources Specialists $56,050
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists $53,780
- Training and Development Specialists $52,160
- Fundraisers $52,040
- Property Appraisers and Assessors $49,830
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners $43,200
- Credit Counselors $39,100
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents $39,010
- Tax Preparers $33,390
Transport and material moving 25
- Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels $112,670
- Commercial Pilots $99,920
- Ship Engineers $92,150
- Air Traffic Controllers $91,480
- Crane and Tower Operators $62,510
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $59,260
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $50,700
- Sailors and Marine Oilers $49,030
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $42,430
- Light Truck Drivers $38,820
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers $38,420
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity $37,610
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors $36,070
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $35,920
- Conveyor Operators and Tenders $35,090
- Stockers and Order Fillers $34,690
- Driver/Sales Workers $34,290
- Packers and Packagers, Hand $31,730
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment $29,130
- Bus Drivers, School $28,940
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants $28,720
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs $28,400
- Parking Attendants $25,550
- Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians $23,080
- Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other $20,990
Architecture and engineering 22
- Engineers, All Other $112,100
- Civil Engineers $103,940
- Chemical Engineers $102,470
- Electrical Engineers $100,840
- Aerospace Engineers $96,810
- Industrial Engineers $93,110
- Mechanical Engineers $90,730
- Materials Engineers $90,700
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors $87,230
- Environmental Engineers $81,780
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians $80,410
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other $79,790
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval $79,040
- Computer Hardware Engineers $76,120
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians $70,300
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters $61,520
- Mechanical Drafters $58,760
- Architectural and Civil Drafters $57,570
- Surveyors $57,370
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians $57,370
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians $46,540
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians $45,490
Life, physical and social science 21
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers $113,730
- Physical Scientists, All Other $105,500
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $92,390
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists $87,050
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $86,940
- Biological Scientists, All Other $84,610
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $79,790
- Chemists $78,260
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists $74,060
- Foresters $65,960
- Urban and Regional Planners $62,330
- School Psychologists $60,200
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $59,600
- Conservation Scientists $56,980
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $55,110
- Forensic Science Technicians $54,720
- Chemical Technicians $54,100
- Forest and Conservation Technicians $51,460
- Biological Technicians $50,650
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $49,220
- Agricultural Technicians $48,790
Personal care and service 21
- First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers $56,840
- Skincare Specialists $42,010
- Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers $40,280
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services $38,020
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $36,280
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers $35,800
- Gambling Service Workers, All Other $32,660
- Concierges $29,920
- Residential Advisors $29,660
- Funeral Attendants $28,620
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $28,360
- Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners $27,530
- Tour and Travel Guides $27,310
- Recreation Workers $27,200
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers $25,440
- Gambling Dealers $23,970
- Animal Caretakers $23,740
- Baggage Porters and Bellhops $22,270
- Childcare Workers $21,760
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants $21,690
- Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other $21,130
Protective service 20
- Transportation Security Screeners $59,950
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $58,470
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators $56,310
- Fire Inspectors and Investigators $54,650
- First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers $48,830
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers $47,540
- First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other $47,370
- Protective Service Workers, All Other $46,800
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers $45,610
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers $44,050
- Bailiffs $39,940
- Private Detectives and Investigators $39,460
- Firefighters $36,980
- Correctional Officers and Jailers $36,710
- Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators $36,670
- Animal Control Workers $34,480
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers $30,160
- Security Guards $29,710
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers $22,880
- School Bus Monitors $22,780
Computing and mathematics 17
- Computer and Information Research Scientists $108,560
- Computer Network Architects $95,710
- Database Architects $90,980
- Operations Research Analysts $87,550
- Software Developers $86,460
- Database Administrators $86,420
- Computer Occupations, All Other $86,380
- Information Security Analysts $84,640
- Computer Systems Analysts $82,870
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $75,860
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators $75,090
- Data Scientists $69,430
- Computer Programmers $65,120
- Web and Digital Interface Designers $60,680
- Web Developers $58,260
- Computer Network Support Specialists $50,600
- Computer User Support Specialists $46,690
Community and social service 15
- Social Workers, All Other $89,860
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors $59,630
- Healthcare Social Workers $56,690
- Marriage and Family Therapists $51,260
- Clergy $50,500
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $48,830
- Directors, Religious Activities and Education $48,660
- Health Education Specialists $48,100
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $46,810
- Rehabilitation Counselors $45,950
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers $44,690
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other $41,660
- Community Health Workers $37,790
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists $32,500
- Social and Human Service Assistants $28,900
Healthcare support 15
- Occupational Therapy Assistants $62,160
- Physical Therapist Assistants $61,220
- Medical Transcriptionists $43,950
- Massage Therapists $42,510
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other $39,970
- Dental Assistants $37,130
- Phlebotomists $34,900
- Medical Assistants $34,800
- Medical Equipment Preparers $32,700
- Psychiatric Aides $30,660
- Nursing Assistants $30,460
- Orderlies $30,070
- Pharmacy Aides $28,270
- Physical Therapist Aides $26,900
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides $23,640
Food preparation and serving 15
- Chefs and Head Cooks $44,990
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $34,230
- Cooks, Restaurant $29,520
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $25,830
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other $25,810
- Cooks, Short Order $25,710
- Bartenders $24,700
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant $24,580
- Dishwashers $23,350
- Food Preparation Workers $23,190
- Fast Food and Counter Workers $22,280
- Cooks, Fast Food $22,250
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $21,860
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop $21,580
- Waiters and Waitresses $20,340
Sales 15
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products $78,690
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers $66,050
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products $57,460
- Real Estate Sales Agents $50,460
- Insurance Sales Agents $47,550
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel $46,910
- Advertising Sales Agents $46,790
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents $45,860
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers $43,110
- Parts Salespersons $31,660
- Counter and Rental Clerks $31,420
- Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers $31,270
- Retail Salespersons $27,810
- Demonstrators and Product Promoters $27,610
- Cashiers $22,410
Arts, design, entertainment and media 13
- Technical Writers $62,680
- Public Relations Specialists $54,790
- Writers and Authors $51,230
- Editors $49,510
- Coaches and Scouts $47,120
- Graphic Designers $45,260
- Photographers $44,660
- Producers and Directors $44,290
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $44,160
- Audio and Video Technicians $33,210
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys $32,900
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $31,800
- Floral Designers $28,170
Farming, fishing and forestry 9
- First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers $65,990
- Fallers $51,790
- Logging Equipment Operators $47,910
- Log Graders and Scalers $43,970
- Agricultural Inspectors $41,600
- Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals $37,440
- Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products $31,660
- Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse $30,670
- Agricultural Equipment Operators $30,570
Building and grounds maintenance 8
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers $47,880
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners $46,630
- Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation $40,470
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers $38,800
- Pest Control Workers $37,620
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers $30,840
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $27,610
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $24,460
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary in Mississippi?
The median across all occupations is $39,070 a year, or $18.78 an hour, covering 1,159,710 wage and salary workers. Median rather than mean, because a handful of very high earners pull an average upward and describe nobody.
Which jobs pay the most in Mississippi?
Family Medicine Physicians ($231,580), Nurse Anesthetists ($197,490), Psychiatrists ($195,210) lead the table. Medical specialities dominate the top of almost every state list, which says more about how the occupation is classified than about local conditions.
What does Mississippi employ the most people in?
Retail Salespersons, with 36,330 employed at a median of $27,810. The largest occupations in any state are usually retail, food service, transport and administrative roles.
Does a higher salary here mean more money in practice?
Not necessarily. Wages and living costs move together. Mississippi electricity averages 16.16¢ per kilowatt-hour against a national 16.44¢ in Texas as one comparison, and housing costs vary far more than that. Read a salary figure alongside what it costs to live where it is earned.