Featured Careers
- Electrician
- Welder
- Industrial Maintenance Technician
MISSISSIPPI TRADE CAREER DATA
Skilled Trade Careers in Mississippi
Explore electrician, plumber, HVAC technician, welder, carpenter, and other skilled trade career opportunities in Mississippi. Compare salaries, training requirements, licensing rules, and job outlook.
Salary information
Training pathways
Licensing requirements
STATE WORKFORCE OVERVIEW
Mississippi Skilled Trade Snapshot
Training Pathways
- Apprenticeships
- Trade schools
- Employer training
Major Industries
- Automotive Manufacturing
- Shipbuilding & Maritime
- Aerospace Manufacturing
Career Guide Navigation
Featured Trade Careers in Mississippi
Compare selected career paths using available salary, training, and outlook data.
Electrician in Mississippi
- Median Salary
- $57,200
- Training
- 4–5 Years Apprenticeship
- Job Outlook
- +9% (2024–2034)
Welder in Mississippi
- Median Salary
- $51,100
- Training
- 6 Months–2 Years
- Job Outlook
- +2% (2024–2034)
Industrial Maintenance Technician in Mississippi
- Training
- 1–2 Years
- Job Outlook
- +16%（2024–2034）
Mississippi Trade Career Guides
Open a state-specific profile for salary, licensing, training, and career requirements.
Heavy Equipment Operator
Mississippi Career Guide
Salary Licensing Training
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Carpenter
Mississippi Career Guide
Salary Licensing Training
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Welder
Mississippi Career Guide
Salary Licensing Training
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HVAC Technician
Mississippi Career Guide
Salary Licensing Training
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Plumber
Mississippi Career Guide
Salary Licensing Training
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Electrician
Mississippi Career Guide
Salary Licensing Training
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Top Trade Careers in Mississippi
Mississippi offers career opportunities across construction, energy, transportation, maintenance, manufacturing, and other skilled trade industries. Popular trade careers often include electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, welders, carpenters, diesel mechanics, and heavy equipment operators.
Trade Salary Outlook in Mississippi
Mississippi offers career opportunities for skilled trade professionals across advanced manufacturing, automotive production, shipbuilding, aerospace, construction, utilities, and food processing. Earnings vary based on experience, certifications, employer type, and geographic location. Major employment centers such as Jackson, Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Tupelo, Southaven, and Meridian provide opportunities through manufacturing facilities, shipyards, construction projects, and infrastructure development.
Training and Apprenticeship Options in Mississippi
Mississippi provides multiple pathways into skilled trade careers through community colleges, technical education centers, registered apprenticeship programs, employer-sponsored training, labor organizations, and workforce development initiatives. Many skilled trades combine classroom instruction with paid on-the-job experience, allowing workers to develop practical skills while earning income and preparing for industry-recognized certifications.
Mississippi Apprenticeship Opportunities
Registered apprenticeship programs are one of the most effective ways to begin a skilled trade career in Mississippi. Apprenticeships are available for electricians, welders, HVAC technicians, industrial maintenance technicians, automotive technicians, shipbuilding occupations, construction trades, and manufacturing careers. Most programs combine paid work experience with classroom instruction while preparing workers for licensing or industry-recognized certifications.
Licensing Requirements in Mississippi
Licensing requirements in Mississippi vary depending on the occupation. Electricians, plumbers, HVAC contractors, and certain construction professionals may require state-issued licenses, examinations, certifications, or contractor registration. Workers should verify current licensing requirements with the Mississippi State Board of Contractors and other appropriate regulatory authorities before performing regulated work independently.
Fastest Growing Trade Careers in Mississippi
Industrial Maintenance Technician
Welder
Electrician
Automotive Technician
HVAC Technician
Commercial Plumber
Heavy Equipment Operator
Diesel Mechanic
Top Industries Hiring Skilled Trades in Mississippi
Skilled trade workers in Mississippi may find opportunities across several major industries. Demand can vary by region, economic growth, population trends, infrastructure investment, and employer needs.
Automotive Manufacturing
Shipbuilding & Maritime
Aerospace Manufacturing
Advanced Manufacturing
Food Processing
Construction
Utilities
Transportation & Logistics
Why Mississippi Is One of America's Best States for Skilled Trades
Mississippi offers strong opportunities for skilled trade professionals because of its growing manufacturing and industrial economy. The state is home to automotive manufacturing facilities, major shipyards, aerospace operations, food processing companies, and expanding infrastructure projects. These industries rely on industrial maintenance technicians, welders, electricians, HVAC technicians, automotive technicians, and other skilled workers. Combined with affordable living costs, technical education programs, and apprenticeship opportunities, Mississippi provides excellent pathways into stable skilled trade careers.
Major Cities for Trade Careers in Mississippi
Skilled trade opportunities in Mississippi are often concentrated around major metro areas, growing suburbs, industrial centers, and regions with strong construction, energy, transportation, and maintenance demand.
Jackson
Gulfport
Southaven
Hattiesburg
Tupelo
Meridian
Pascagoula
Biloxi
Olive Branch
Starkville
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best trade careers in Mississippi?
Industrial maintenance technician, welder, electrician, HVAC technician, automotive technician, plumber, diesel mechanic, and heavy equipment operator are among the most in-demand skilled trade careers in Mississippi. Demand is supported by manufacturing, shipbuilding, construction, transportation, and utilities.
Are apprenticeships available in Mississippi?
Yes. Mississippi offers registered apprenticeship opportunities through employers, community colleges, technical education centers, workforce development agencies, and industry partners across manufacturing, construction, maritime, transportation, and industrial occupations.
Which Mississippi cities have the most trade jobs?
Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, Hattiesburg, Tupelo, Meridian, Pascagoula, Biloxi, Olive Branch, and Starkville are among Mississippi's largest employment markets for skilled trade professionals.
Do skilled trades require licenses in Mississippi?
Some skilled trades require state-issued licenses, certifications, examinations, or contractor registration. Electricians, plumbers, HVAC professionals, and contractors should review Mississippi licensing requirements before performing regulated work independently.
Is Mississippi a good state for skilled trade careers?
Yes. Mississippi's automotive manufacturing, shipbuilding industry, aerospace sector, construction market, and advanced manufacturing operations continue to create long-term opportunities for skilled trade professionals throughout the state.