Mississippi Salaries 2025
America's most affordable state with growing manufacturing
Median Household Income
Mississippi Salary Overview 2025
Mississippi has the lowest median household income in the nation ($48,700), but also the lowest cost of living (83 index, 17% below average)—making it genuinely affordable for residents. The state offers a distinct value proposition: modest wages stretch remarkably far, and those who can bring external income (remote work, retirement) find exceptional purchasing power.
The economy has diversified beyond its agricultural roots. Automotive manufacturing (Nissan, Toyota) has grown substantially. Shipbuilding on the Gulf Coast (Huntington Ingalls) provides skilled trades employment. Healthcare remains the largest employer in many communities. The state has worked to attract manufacturing through incentives and low costs.
Mississippi's tax burden is light—the state is phasing toward eliminating income tax on the first $10,000 of income, and overall rates are modest. Combined with no state property tax (local only) and low costs, Mississippi offers genuine affordability. The tradeoff: limited high-wage opportunities and challenges in education and infrastructure that affect quality of life. For comprehensive salary data, see salary trends 2025.
Mississippi Salary Snapshot
| Metric | Mississippi | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $48,700 | $74,580 |
| Mean Household Income | $65,000 | $97,300 |
| Per Capita Income | $26,500 | $37,638 |
| Minimum Wage (2025) | $7.25/hr (federal) | $7.25/hr (federal) |
| Cost of Living Index | 83 (17% below avg) | 100 |
| Top Income Tax Rate | 5% | Varies |
Salaries by Mississippi Region
Jackson Metro – State Capital
Median Household Income: $52,000
Jackson is Mississippi's largest metro and economic center. State government, healthcare (University of Mississippi Medical Center), and professional services drive employment. The city faces urban challenges but offers Mississippi's most diverse job market. Healthcare professionals earn competitive regional wages, government positions follow state scales. Housing is remarkably affordable ($180,000 median).
DeSoto County (Memphis Suburbs)
Median Household Income: $68,000
Northern Mississippi's DeSoto County is effectively part of the Memphis metro. Residents access Memphis jobs while enjoying Mississippi's lower costs and taxes. Distribution centers, manufacturing, and Memphis commuters create higher incomes than elsewhere in the state. Housing ($280,000 median) is affordable compared to Memphis proper.
Gulf Coast (Biloxi, Gulfport, Pascagoula)
Median Household Income: $52,000
The Gulf Coast offers shipbuilding (Huntington Ingalls in Pascagoula), gaming/tourism (Biloxi casinos), and military (Keesler AFB). Shipyard workers earn $45,000-$85,000 depending on skill, gaming management $50,000-$100,000+. Hurricane risk affects the region. Housing ($200,000 median) is affordable with beach access.
Tupelo – Manufacturing Hub
Median Household Income: $50,000
Tupelo (Elvis's birthplace) has become a furniture and manufacturing center. Toyota assembly nearby adds automotive employment. Very affordable ($175,000 median home) with small-city amenities. Manufacturing provides solid working-class employment.
Oxford – University Town
Median Household Income: $45,000
University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) creates education and service employment. College-town culture with literary heritage. Faculty $60,000-$130,000, research positions available. Charming but limited professional opportunities beyond the university.
| Region | Median Income | Median Home | Key Industries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson | $52,000 | $180,000 | Government, Healthcare, Services |
| DeSoto County | $68,000 | $280,000 | Distribution, Memphis Access |
| Gulf Coast | $52,000 | $200,000 | Shipbuilding, Gaming, Military |
| Tupelo | $50,000 | $175,000 | Manufacturing, Automotive |
| Oxford | $45,000 | $250,000 | Education, Tourism |
Top Paying Industries in Mississippi
Healthcare
Healthcare is Mississippi's largest industry, driven by serving an aging and often underserved population. University of Mississippi Medical Center (Jackson), regional hospitals, and rural healthcare create substantial employment. Physicians $240,000-$380,000+ (significant demand in underserved areas), nurses $50,000-$72,000, healthcare administrators $60,000-$120,000. Loan forgiveness programs attract providers to rural areas.
Shipbuilding (Huntington Ingalls)
Huntington Ingalls Industries in Pascagoula builds Navy destroyers and amphibious ships—one of only two shipyards with these capabilities. Engineers $75,000-$125,000, skilled trades $50,000-$85,000, production workers $40,000-$65,000. Navy contracts provide job security. Security clearances required for many positions.
Automotive Manufacturing
Nissan (Canton) and Toyota (Blue Springs) have transformed Mississippi manufacturing. Assembly workers $45,000-$65,000, engineers $70,000-$110,000, plant managers $90,000-$150,000. Supplier network creates additional jobs. Automotive offers Mississippi's best manufacturing careers.
Gaming & Hospitality
Biloxi casinos (MGM, Caesars, Hard Rock) and Gulf Coast tourism provide entertainment industry jobs. Dealers $25,000-$50,000 (tips vary), management $50,000-$120,000, hospitality $25,000-$45,000. Seasonal and shift work common.
| Industry | Entry Level | Mid-Career | Senior Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare (Physicians) | $240,000 | $300,000 | $380,000+ |
| Shipbuilding Engineering | $65,000 | $95,000 | $130,000+ |
| Automotive Manufacturing | $40,000 | $55,000 | $75,000+ |
| Nursing (RN) | $48,000 | $58,000 | $72,000+ |
| Gaming Management | $40,000 | $65,000 | $110,000+ |
Mississippi Tax Analysis
State Income Tax (2025)
Mississippi is phasing out income tax on lower incomes:
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $10,000 | 0% (phasing out) |
| $10,001+ | 5% |
Mississippi's effective tax rate is low, especially for lower and middle incomes.
Tax Comparison
| Salary | MS Tax | AL Tax | TN Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $1,500 | $1,600 | $0 |
| $60,000 | $2,500 | $2,500 | $0 |
| $100,000 | $4,500 | $4,200 | $0 |
Property Tax: No state property tax; local rates average 0.79%—very low. Combined with low home values, property tax bills are minimal.
Sales Tax: 7% state rate—among the highest, which offsets low income/property taxes.
Mississippi Cost of Living Analysis
| Expense | Mississippi | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Index | 60 | 100 |
| Median Home Price | $160,000 | $420,000 |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $850 | $1,400 |
| Groceries Index | 93 | 100 |
| Utilities Index | 90 | 100 |
| Healthcare Index | 90 | 100 |
Housing by Region
| Area | Median Home | Rent (2BR) |
|---|---|---|
| Jackson | $180,000 | $950 |
| DeSoto County | $280,000 | $1,200 |
| Biloxi/Gulfport | $200,000 | $1,050 |
| Tupelo | $175,000 | $850 |
| Hattiesburg | $165,000 | $850 |
A $50,000 salary in Mississippi provides equivalent purchasing power to approximately $70,000 in Dallas or $90,000 in Los Angeles.
Highest Paying Jobs in Mississippi 2025
| Occupation | Average Salary | Top 10% Earn |
|---|---|---|
| Physicians/Surgeons | $260,000 | $380,000+ |
| Dentists | $155,000 | $240,000+ |
| Pharmacists | $115,000 | $140,000+ |
| Engineering Managers | $110,000 | $150,000+ |
| IT Directors | $105,000 | $145,000+ |
| Nurse Practitioners | $100,000 | $125,000+ |
| Lawyers | $95,000 | $160,000+ |
| Shipyard Engineers | $95,000 | $130,000+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mississippi worth considering for careers?
Depends on priorities. For healthcare professionals willing to serve underserved areas, loan forgiveness and low costs create genuine value. For manufacturing careers (auto, shipbuilding), Mississippi offers good jobs. For those seeking high salaries and career advancement, limited opportunities constrain options. Remote workers find exceptional value.
Why is Mississippi so affordable?
Lower wages, limited demand relative to other states, historical economic factors, and less in-migration keep prices low. The state doesn't have major economic drivers that increase costs elsewhere. This creates opportunity for those who can bring external income.
What are the quality of life considerations?
Mississippi faces challenges in education rankings, healthcare access in rural areas, and infrastructure. Poverty rates are higher than national average. However, communities offer genuine Southern hospitality, cost of living enables comfortable lifestyle on modest income, and outdoor recreation (Gulf Coast, Delta) is accessible.
Is DeSoto County a good option?
For those working in Memphis, excellent. Mississippi taxes are lower than Tennessee's overall (despite TN having no income tax, other costs differ). Housing is more affordable than Memphis suburbs in Tennessee. Access to Memphis amenities while living in a growing, affordable area.
How is the shipbuilding industry?
Stable and well-paying. Huntington Ingalls has decades of Navy contracts for destroyers and amphibious ships. Jobs range from skilled trades to engineering to management. Security clearances required for many positions. Gulf Coast location offers beach access and lower costs than other shipbuilding regions.