Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Mississippi 2024 (Inc Salaries)

Delicious, hearty food, interesting history, and beautiful landscapes are just some of the things you can enjoy in the Magnolia state.

Not only that but it's also considered one of the most affordable states in which to live in 2024. With a cost of living index of 83.3%, the expenses in this state are 17% cheaper than the US average.

What more can you ask for?

Well, of course, you need to consider the availability of employment in Mississippi, which is another good news. Based on last year's statistics, the MS labor market is recovering and showing signs of improvement. This, combined with the workforce shortage (only 52 available workers for every 100 available jobs), makes the state a great choice for anyone who wants to both save and earn good money.

If you’re one of them, then here are the top 10 highest-paying jobs in Mississippi for 2024 that you should look for:

Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Mississippi 2024 (Inc Salaries) 

1. Physician/ Surgeon

• Salary Range: $249,000 to $465,000, with a median annual wage of $234,000

• US Job Outlook: 3% (24,200 job openings) *statistics include demand for all medical specializations

A physician is a general term for medical doctors who prescribe medications and lifestyle changes to treat patients with acute and chronic medical conditions. On the other hand, a surgeon is an umbrella term for medical doctors who perform surgical procedures and other invasive techniques to treat both injuries and severe diseases.

The initial requirement for doctors is a bachelor's degree in biology or chemistry. After that, they must pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) to qualify for med school.

Upon graduating from medical school and obtaining their medical degree, they must pass the first parts of USMLE, choose their specialty, and complete the residency program. Lastly, they must pass the third part of the USMLE and earn board certifications to obtain their medical license in their chosen specialization.

Mississippi's best-paid medical specializations are Anesthesiologists, Cardiologists, and Surgeons.  

2. Psychiatrist

• Salary Range: $240,000 to $448,000, with an average yearly income of $234,000

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 7% (1,900 employment opportunities)       

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have undergone additional training to specialize in diagnosing, treating, and managing mental, emotional, and behavioral health disorders using a combination of talk therapy, medication, and other procedural interventions.

Their expertise is valuable in providing long-term care to patients with severe mental health conditions, such as depression, post-traumatic disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and other complex disorders.  

Becoming a psychiatrist starts with a bachelor's degree in psychology, followed by a medical degree. After that, they must complete a psychiatric residency program and obtain board certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN).

Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and Remote Child Psychiatrist are two of the best-paying Jackson jobs related to this role.

3. Airline Pilot

• Salary Range: $226,000 to $411,000, with an estimated annual salary of $209,000

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 4% (16,800 job openings) *statistics include demand for copilots and flight engineers

Also known as commercial pilots, airline pilots are responsible for keeping the passengers, cargo, and aircraft safe during a flight. Before the aircraft takes off, they perform routine maintenance checks, conduct pre-flight analysis, and formulate flight plans and emergency backup plans.

They are also the channel of communication between all the professionals involved in the flight—his flight crew, the ground crew, and the dispatcher. They are also in charge of relaying flight information and conditions to passengers.  

Airline pilots are required to have a bachelor’s degree related to either engineering or aviation. The top choices are aeronautical or aerospace engineering. Additionally, pilots must complete at least 1,500 flight times and get a first-class medical certificate and Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certification before they can apply for a job. 

Upon employment, they must complete further training to get the right instrument rating for the aircraft they will operate. The last step to obtaining their commercial pilot license is to pass the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) practical test.

There are 100 employed airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers in Northeast Mississippi, making it one of the nonmetropolitan areas with the highest employment, concentration of jobs, and location quotients for this occupation.

4. Dentist

• Salary Range: $214,000 to $361,000, with an average income of $197,800 per year

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 4% (5,100 job vacancies) 

Dentists are health professionals who focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of health conditions affecting the teeth, jaw, and gums. The duties of this job include offering two types of services– restorative and preventative dental care. 

Restorative dental care services address existing dental issues, like damaged, missing, or misaligned teeth. On the other hand, preventative dental procedures are those that maintain good oral health, and these include dental X-rays and teeth cleaning and whitening. 

They are also responsible for educating patients about proper oral health maintenance.

After a bachelor's degree in biology and chemistry or a pre-dental program, dentists need l to obtain an advanced degree like a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) through dental school. 

Next, they must pass the National Board of Dental Examination to secure their license and complete a residency program to obtain specialization.

On top of that, dentists in Mississippi must have a Healthcare Level Basic Life Support (CPR/ BLS) certificate.

Offering an average annual salary 4.3% higher than the Kentucky average, Hattiesburg is the best Mississippi city for dentist salaries.

5. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

• Salary Range: $175,000 to $326,000, with an annual median wage of $173,200 *salary range is for Nurse anesthetists, the highest-paid APRNs

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 38% (29,200 employment opportunities for all APRNS) 

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) is the collective term for registered nurses who have obtained higher education and clinical training, which gives them the authority to take on more advanced nursing duties and responsibilities.

APRNs are classified into four different types, and their job duties include the following:

• Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) also work in management and help to develop best practices for treatments in certain settings or for specific illnesses and conditions.

• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) work with anesthesiologists in delivering pain relief and management to patients undergoing medical procedures.

• Nurse Practitioners (NP) provide primary, specialty, and acute care in their chosen specialization. They can also prescribe medication and order and interpret tests under the supervision of a physician. 

• Certified Nurse-Midwives(CNM) provide gynecologic care for women before, after, and during pregnancy. 

All APRNs start their journey with a bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN) degree. After that, they need to obtain an advanced nursing degree, such as a Master of Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and the necessary clinical experience.

The last step is to be board-certified, which means passing the National APRN Certification Exam. Your chosen specialty determines which type of exam you need to take. 

With a pay scale of $116,000 to $183,000, Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are Mississippi's second highest-paying APRNs. 

6. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

• Salary Range: $178,000 to $332,000, with an estimated yearly pay of $129,700

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 3% (311,600 job postings)

*statistics include employment for general and operation managers

As the highest-ranking management officials, Chief Executive Officers make the major business decisions, including establishing the company's vision. Additionally, they oversee the company operations, establish the company budget, and allocate resources to meet all goals. 

They are also responsible for delivering reports and updates to the board of directors and overseeing the other executives and general managers in the organization’s key departments.

Most CEOs have a bachelor's and master's degree in business administration and years of business experience, preferably in a management position. 

However, this position is not just an automatic promotion you can get after getting all the right credentials. Having the right connections and enough exposure are the only way to get this role. That’s why attending events, like seminars, conferences, and mixers, and joining professional organizations are highly recommended for anyone who wants to be a CEO. 

Chief Product Officer and Chief Quality Officer are two other high-paying CEO-related jobs in MS.

7. Physician Assistant

• Salary Range: $110,000 to $173,000, with an expected average income of $118,500 per year

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 27% (12,200 employment opportunities)

Physician assistants’ duties vary depending on the supervising doctor and the law of the state where they are practicing.

According to the University of Mississippi Medical Center, PAs in MS will perform the responsibilities much as physicians do. These include examining patients, diagnosing illnesses, and providing treatment plans. 

However, they are not independent practitioners, meaning they must provide direct medical care to patients in collaboration with physicians. 

Physician assistants must first complete an undergraduate nursing, medical assistant, or life sciences program and obtain clinical experience to qualify for a PA graduate program. After completing the graduate program, they must pass the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) Exam.

They must also apply with the Mississippi Board of Medical Licensure to obtain their state license to practice as a PA.

As per ZipRecruiter, the PA specializations that receive the highest pay in MS are Oncology PA, Anesthesiology PA, and Physician Surgeon.

8. Pharmacist

• Salary Range: $105,000 to $151,000, with an annual median wage of $115,400

• US Job Outlook: 3% (13,400 job vacancies)

Pharmacists are allied medical professionals who have been specifically trained and educated in selecting, handling, preparing, dispensing, and storing all types of medications.

They collaborate with doctors and other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients receive the right type of medication in the right way and at the right time. While they often work in a hospital, you can find them in other healthcare settings like drugstores and medical clinics.

The basic requirement for pharmacists is to complete a bachelor’s degree in life sciences or a pre-pharmacy program. After that, they need to obtain a Doctors of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, finish a residency program, and pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE).

After gaining experience, some of them also pursue certifications administered by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) to earn their choice of specialty. 

There are 570 pharmacists in Northern Mississippi, making it one of the nonmetropolitan areas with the highest employment for this position.

9. Actuary

• Salary Range: $118,000 to $212,000, with an estimated annual pay of $110,300

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 23% (2,300 job openings) 

Actuaries are mathematical professionals who are experts in helping companies measure and manage their financial risks. Businesses and other organizations rely on actuaries' forecasts and predictions to determine how future economic events can impact their investments and create risk management plans. 

Their mathematical and financial expertise is valuable for finance-based businesses like insurance, banking, investment, government, e-commerce, and marketing.

Most actuaries have a bachelor’s degree in business administration, statistics, or mathematics. However, according to most job post details, most employees prefer candidates with a master’s in business administration (MBA) degree and relevant experience.

Though certifications are not required, these are valuable credentials that can make you stand out. Consider getting them from the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) or the Society of Actuaries (SOA).  

Hattiesburg is the city that offers the highest pay for actuaries—4.3%  above the Kentucky average.

10. Computer and Information Research Scientist

• Salary Range: $107,000 to $199,000, with an average salary of $107,100 per year

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 23% (3,400 employment opportunities)

Computer and information research scientists are responsible for taking the technological industry to a new level, so they are at the forefront of innovation. They drive the industry forward through research and examination and new technology development.   

These experts can choose from a wide range of career paths based on the aspect of computer science that interests them the most. These include designing software and hardware, programming robots, exploring equations, formulating theories, etc. 

Computer and information research scientists start their careers with a bachelor's degree in computer science or engineering. After gaining work experience, they must obtain a master's degree in a relevant industry and valid certifications from the Institute for the Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP).

Offering an hourly mean wage of $54.96, Southwest Mississippi is one of the top-paying nonmetropolitan areas for this role.

Mississippi has something in store for you even if you don't have a college degree. Below are the jobs available in Mississippi that you can get with a high school diploma:

• Independent couriers transport or deliver documents, business supplies, and small to large packages. Some of them use bikes while other workers drive cars. 

• Mystery shoppers are hired by companies to pose as customers so they can get to know more about the kind of customer experience their business provides. They are given instructions, including their assigned location and which products to ask or buy. The entire experience should be documented in detail—from the moment you walk into the store until the sale is done.  

• Phlebotomists are trained to draw and collect blood from patients to diagnose conditions like high cholesterol, diabetes, etc. They need to cross-check their labels to prevent mixups and ensure that the equipment is sterile to prevent the spread of infection.

• Truck drivers are professional drivers authorized to transport cargo using heavy and large vehicle like delivery trucks, package delivery vehicles, and many more. A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is the requirement for this position.   

• Flight attendants are in charge of upholding safety standards and ensuring passengers’ comfort inside the aircraft. They also monitor passengers’ food supply, make sure passengers are in the correct seat, and greet them as they enter the aircraft.

Conclusion

Mississippi is teeming with good career opportunities, and you can prove that when you try to find high-paying jobs in Mississippi on indeed.com

Taking a business course is your best move if you want to get hired and thrive in any of these jobs. 

Luckily, Nexford offers online BBA and MBA programs that will provide you with the information and skills you need to achieve your career goals. Aside from convenience and flexibility, the best part about these 100% online programs is that you can choose specializations that fit your goals, delivering a learning experience perfectly tailored to your needs.  

FAQs

What is the highest-paying job within Mississippi State in 2024?

Earning an annual salary range of $249,000 to $465,000, the physician/ surgeon (anesthesiologist) is the highest-paying job in MS in 2024. These medical professionals may also receive an estimated $98,200 through cash bonuses.

Coincidentally, this profession also ranks first in the list of highest-paying jobs in the U.S.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which Mississippi jobs are projected to have the highest level of growth?

As per BLS, there will be four occupations that will grow the fastest between the years 2022-32, and these include Computer and Information Research Scientist (23%), Actuary (23%), Physician Assistant (27%), and APRN (38%). 

What is the best career path in Mississippi in 2024?

Considering the nature and the expected growth rate of these high paying MS jobs, it's safe to predict that technology, business, and healthcare will be the hottest sectors to watch out for this year.

What skills or expertise is required for high-paying Mississippi jobs?

This list contains a broad range of jobs in different industries and sectors. With that said, here are the top skills that you need to have regardless of what industry you're in:

• strong communication skills,

• teamwork and collaboration,

• negotiation,

• problem-solving abilities,

• organization,

• self-motivation and discipline,

• confidence,

• and the ability to work well under pressure.

Of course, having extensive industry-specific knowledge, training, and experience is also necessary for getting these jobs. On top of that, strong managerial and leadership skills and business acumen are your keys to climbing the career ladder in your chosen sector. 

Download our free report here to determine which high-income skills you should develop!

What qualifications are required for high paying jobs in Mississippi?

The education credentials may vary depending on the industry you belong to. Luckily, we’ve already provided all the qualifications you need to know above.

To summarize, a medical degree is needed to become a physician, while a master's degree is required for most jobs.

Lastly, having an MBA degree is not required but is highly recommended for advancing your career in all industries.

Why is gaining a BBA/MBA degree beneficial for earning a high-paying job in Mississippi?

A business degree is a powerful tool for career advancement, and there are many reasons why.

Having this degree on your resume demonstrates your strong decision-making abilities, strategic thinking skills, and commitment to professional growth.

Also, it helps you develop management and leadership skills needed for higher positions with better earning potential.

Lastly, the degree provides plenty of opportunities for networking and establishing industry connections, which are critical for your long-term success.