Mississippi Job Market: Top Industries, Salaries & Employers (2026)
Guide to the Mississippi job market in 2026. Manufacturing, agriculture, military, and healthcare with the lowest cost of living in the U.S.
Mississippi offers the most affordable living in the country. While salaries are lower than national averages, purchasing power is often competitive with higher-cost states. The state has attracted major automotive and aerospace manufacturers, and the Gulf Coast provides maritime and energy sector jobs.
Top Industries
- Manufacturing: Toyota (Blue Springs), Nissan (Canton), Ingalls Shipbuilding (Pascagoula — largest manufacturer in MS). 145,000+ manufacturing jobs. Auto suppliers and shipbuilding drive growth.
- Agriculture: #3 in cotton, #1 in catfish, major poultry and timber producer. Agriculture contributes $8B+ annually. Catfish farming centered in the Mississippi Delta.
- Military: Keesler AFB (Biloxi), Columbus AFB, Camp Shelby, and Stennis Space Center (NASA). Military supports 80,000+ jobs.
- Healthcare: University of Mississippi Medical Center, Baptist Health, Merit Health, and Singing River Health. 150,000+ healthcare workers.
- Energy: Offshore oil/gas in the Gulf, refining, and growing solar. Chevron Pascagoula refinery is one of the largest on the Gulf Coast.
Major Employers
| Employer | Industry | Approx. MS Employees |
|---|---|---|
| State of Mississippi | Government | 32,000+ |
| Ingalls Shipbuilding | Defense/Manufacturing | 12,000+ |
| University of Mississippi Medical | Healthcare | 10,000+ |
| Walmart | Retail | 22,000+ |
| Nissan | Manufacturing | 6,000+ |
| Toyota | Manufacturing | 2,500+ |
| Sanderson Farms | Agriculture | 12,000+ |
Average Salary by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Avg Salary | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|---|
| Jackson | $47,340 | 82 |
| Gulfport-Biloxi | $44,870 | 85 |
| Hattiesburg | $41,280 | 78 |
| Tupelo | $42,630 | 76 |
| Southaven (Memphis metro) | $45,240 | 82 |
Growing Sectors
- Shipbuilding: Ingalls Shipbuilding (HII) is building Navy destroyers and amphibious ships with $3B+ in backlog, ensuring long-term employment.
- Space: Stennis Space Center tests rocket engines for NASA and commercial space companies. Growing commercial space sector.
- Renewable Energy: Solar farms expanding rapidly across the state. 2,000+ new renewable energy jobs projected by 2028.
Remote Work Availability
Mississippi's extremely low cost of living (median home price $145,000) makes it potentially lucrative for remote workers earning coastal salaries. Internet infrastructure has improved but rural areas still lag. Jackson, the Gulf Coast, and Oxford (Ole Miss) offer the best connectivity and amenities for remote workers.
FAQ
What is the minimum wage in Mississippi?
No state minimum wage — federal $7.25/hour applies. Manufacturing and shipbuilding jobs typically start at $14-18/hour.