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6 Great Mississippi Jobs for College Degree Holders

  • Category: Career
great Mississippi jobs college degree

6 Great Mississippi Jobs for College Degree Holders

Mississippi, a state rich in culture and history, is also evolving economically, offering a surprising range of professional opportunities for college degree holders. While known for its strong roots in agriculture and hospitality, modern Mississippi presents “great Mississippi jobs” in emerging fields like healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and logistics.

The state’s appealingly low cost of living means that a moderate salary often provides a higher quality of life than comparable wages in larger, more expensive metropolitan areas across the U.S. Cities like Jackson, Gulfport, and Southaven are becoming hubs for economic development and professional advancement.

This article explores six promising career paths in Mississippi that generally require a college degree, highlighting their growth potential and typical salary expectations. Let’s take a look at some great Mississippi jobs!

1. Registered Nurse (RN)

The healthcare industry in Mississippi is robust and expanding rapidly to meet the needs of its population. The demand for qualified Registered Nurses (RNs) with Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees is consistently high across hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.

  • Job Description: RNs serve on the front lines of patient care, administering treatments, educating patients and families on health conditions, and collaborating with physicians. These great Mississippi jobs play a critical role essential to the state’s infrastructure.
  • Average Salary Range (Mississippi): Salaries can vary widely by location and experience. The median salary for an RN in Mississippi is approximately $66,430 annually. Experienced nurses in high-demand specialties or urban centers can expect to earn significantly more.
  • Key Locations: Jackson (home to the University of Mississippi Medical Center), Gulfport, and the northern Mississippi area near Memphis have strong job markets for healthcare professionals.
  • Top Employers: The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC), Baptist Memorial Health Care, and Forrest Health are major employers in the state.

2. Supply Chain Analyst / Logistics Manager

Mississippi’s strategic location along the Mississippi River and major interstates makes it a crucial nexus for transportation and logistics. The boom in e-commerce and the need for efficient movement of goods has created a high demand for professionals skilled in supply chain management.

  • Job Description: Supply chain analysts and logistics managers optimize the entire journey of a product from supplier to consumer. They analyze data, manage inventory, coordinate transportation, and solve operational challenges to increase efficiency and reduce costs. A business or supply chain management degree is typically required.
  • Average Salary Range (Mississippi): Salaries typically range from $55,000 to $85,000 for experienced analysts, with management positions often exceeding $90,000.
  • Key Locations: Cities with major distribution centers and ports, such as Southaven (near Memphis distribution hubs), Jackson, and Gulfport/Pascagoula, offer the best opportunities.
  • Top Employers: Major retailers with distribution centers (like Amazon), third-party logistics providers (3PLs), and manufacturing firms in the state employ these specialists.

3. Aerospace Engineer

Mississippi might not be the first state that comes to mind for aerospace, but it plays a critical role in national aerospace and defense sectors, primarily through facilities like the John C. Stennis Space Center (NASA’s largest rocket testing facility) just over the border in Mississippi, and defense contractors across the Gulf Coast.

  • Job Description: Aerospace engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They are involved in cutting-edge research and high-tech manufacturing processes. A degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering is a necessity.
  • Average Salary Range (Mississippi): Due to the specialized nature of the work and involvement in government contracts, salaries are competitive, often averaging over $85,000 annually. Experienced engineers in this field can earn well over $100,000.
  • Key Locations: The Mississippi Gulf Coast region, particularly areas around Hancock and Jackson counties, offers the highest concentration of these roles.
  • Top Employers: NASA (Stennis Space Center operations), Northrop Grumman, and other defense and aerospace contractors are primary employers. Plenty of opportunity for these great Mississippi jobs.

4. Software Developer / IT Specialist

As businesses across Mississippi digitize their operations and tech startups begin to emerge, the need for skilled software developers and IT specialists is growing steadily. These “great Mississippi jobs” offer flexibility and competitive compensation.

  • Job Description: Professionals in this field design and build websites, develop mobile applications, manage databases, and ensure network security. Degrees in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related tech fields are required.
  • Average Salary Range (Mississippi): While salaries generally lag behind national tech hubs, the low cost of living makes them highly attractive. Entry-level developers average around $60,000, with experienced professionals earning $75,000+ annually.
  • Key Locations: Jackson is the primary tech hub, but remote work options allow developers to live anywhere in the state while working for in-state or out-of-state companies.
  • Top Employers: Community Bank, Trustmark National Bank (which require IT infrastructure), and various local tech service providers hire software and IT specialists.

5. Civil Engineer

Mississippi continues to invest in infrastructure development, including roads, bridges, and public works projects. Civil engineers play a vital role in planning, designing, and overseeing these essential construction projects.

  • Job Description: Civil engineers work in both public and private sectors, managing construction projects, designing infrastructure systems, and ensuring public safety and environmental standards are met. A bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) are career milestones.
  • Average Salary Range (Mississippi): The median salary for civil engineers is competitive, often around $76,500 per year.
  • Key Locations: Opportunities are spread across the state, especially near ongoing public works projects and in major cities like Jackson, Gulfport, and Hattiesburg.
  • Top Employers: The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT), local city and county public works departments, and private engineering consulting firms are the main employers of these great Mississippi jobs.

6. Environmental Scientist / Specialist

Mississippi’s diverse ecosystems and coastal environment create a unique demand for environmental scientists who work to protect natural resources, manage compliance with regulations, and address environmental challenges.

  • Job Description: These specialists conduct research, collect samples, analyze data, and advise policymakers or private companies on environmental impact and regulation. A degree in environmental science, biology, ecology, or geology is typically required.
  • Average Salary Range (Mississippi): Salaries average around $60,000 to $70,000, varying based on the employer (public vs. private sector) and specific expertise.
  • Key Locations: The Gulf Coast region and the Delta region have concentrations of jobs related to coastal management and agricultural impacts.
  • Top Employers: The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), federal agencies like the EPA or USGS branches, and private environmental consulting firms are key employers in this field.

Conclusion

Mississippi offers a compelling blend of career opportunity and quality of life. For college degree holders seeking great Mississippi jobs, the state provides diverse pathways in healthcare, engineering, logistics, and technology. The advantageous cost of living ensures that these positions offer substantial purchasing power and the potential for a satisfying professional career in the Magnolia State. Utilize resources from the Mississippi Department of Employment Security to stay updated on current job market trends and available positions.

Get going on your college degree now to land these great Mississippi jobs. Let SmarterDegree help you get your degree quickly, conveniently, and affordably.