The highest-paying jobs in Mississippi without a degree include roles such as Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers, who earn an average of $67,580 annually, and First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers, earning around $65,250. Other lucrative positions include Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians in transportation, both offering salaries exceeding $65,000 per year.
Mississippi has many high paying jobs that don’t require a college degree. A Bureau of Labor Statistics report shows many jobs that prioritize skills over education. These careers offer financial stability and meet Mississippi’s growing workforce needs. Below we list the top industries, job titles and resources to help you find your next job in Mississippi.
Overview of Job Opportunities in Mississippi
Mississippi’s job market is experiencing significant growth, with various industries offering exciting and meaningful career opportunities. According to the University Research Center, the state is projected to see high-paying job growth, particularly in the health care sector.
The median annual salary for many of these jobs is more than double the state’s median annual salary, making Mississippi an attractive destination for job seekers. With a broad range of industries, including healthcare, engineering, and finance, there are numerous opportunities for individuals to find well-paying jobs that align with their skills and interests.
Mississippi Job Market
Mississippi’s job market has high paying jobs that focus on technical skills, certifications, and on the job experience. Industries like transportation, healthcare, and construction are leading the way with roles that pay well for those with a high school diploma or equivalent. The highest-ranking jobs in these sectors often require advanced education and specialized training.
Public universities play an important role in equipping students with the necessary education and skills to succeed in these high-paying and fast-growing jobs.
Key Points:
- The Mississippi Board of economic development lists the sectors with the highest projected growth for non-degree careers.
- Jobs such as truck driving, electricians, and health services pay a median annual salary above $45,000.
- These roles offer meaningful careers that meet state needs.
Leading Industries In The State
- Transportation and Logistics: Mississippi is second in the region for transportation jobs.
- Healthcare: As Dr. Al Rankins Jr. of Mississippi Medical Center and other institutions point out, there’s a need for skilled health workers.
- Construction and Trades: These roles, including electricians and welders, require certifications not a degree.
Highest Paying Individual Jobs In Mississippi
| # | Job Title | Median Annual Wage | Median Hourly Wage | Education Required | Total Employment | On-the-job Training |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | $67,580 | $32.49 | High school diploma or equivalent | 660 people | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 2 | First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers | $65,250 | $31.37 | High school diploma or equivalent | 410 people | None |
| 3 | Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $65,220 | $31.35 | Postsecondary nondegree award | 360 people | None |
| 4 | Electrical and Electronics Repairers (Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay) | $63,350 | $30.46 | Postsecondary nondegree award | 40 people | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 5 | Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $56,520 | $27.18 | High school diploma or equivalent | 40 people | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 6 | Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers (Except Line Installers) | $56,400 | $27.12 | Postsecondary nondegree award | 400 people | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 7 | Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $52,760 | $25.37 | Postsecondary nondegree award (often requires a commercial driver’s license) | 6,030 people | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 8 | First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $52,500 | $25.24 | High school diploma or equivalent | 270 people | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
Jobs No Degree – In Detail
There are various reasons for the ability for anyone to earn a certain salary or wage in their job. This obviously also varies by job type. Below we look at some of the jobs in more detail:
Truck Drivers
Median Annual Salary: $50,000–$70,000
Key Requirements:
- CDL certification
Truck driving is one of Mississippi’s highest paying jobs that typically requires a high school diploma and training. The logistics sector benefits from the state’s proximity to Tennessee, connecting regional industries and trailing only Tennessee in terms of concentration of opportunities.
Electricians
Median Annual Salary: $56,000
Key Requirements:
- Apprenticeship or trade school certification
Electricians are key to Mississippi’s construction projects, making sure wiring systems are safe and efficient in homes and businesses. Certification programs at public universities or trade centers provide the skills needed to succeed.
Health Service Managers
Median Annual Salary: $55,000–$90,000
Key Requirements:
- Experience in health administration
Health service managers oversee hospital operations, support patient care, and coordinate staff. Mississippi’s health care industry has seen significant growth in demand for these roles.
A Focus On Mississippi’s Healthcare Industry
The healthcare industry is Mississippi’s fastest growing industry, employing professionals in roles such as physical therapy assistants and nurse practitioners. These are the state’s highest demand jobs.
Why Healthcare Jobs?
- Mississippi Medical Center has training programs for healthcare professionals.
- Health services careers offer individuals exciting and meaningful careers, supporting patients and the community.
Mississippi Medical Center Careers
The Mississippi Medical Center is a leading healthcare provider in the state, offering a range of career opportunities for medical professionals. While there are positions that do not require a degree, it’s helpful to also understand the opportunities to gain a degree or undertake further tertiary education. Some of the highest-paying jobs that require a degree include:
- Physician/Surgeon: With a median annual salary of $234,000, physicians and surgeons are among the highest paid professionals at the medical center.
- Nurse Practitioner: Nurse practitioners play a critical role in patient care, and with a median annual salary of $173,200, they are among the highest paid nursing professionals in the state.
- Physical Therapy Assistant: Physical therapy assistants work closely with physical therapists to provide patient care, and with a median annual salary of $62,900, they are in high demand.
These roles, along with many others, offer exciting and meaningful career opportunities for individuals passionate about healthcare, and ambitious to embark on further training and education.
A Focus On Technology and IT Jobs
While many high-paying jobs require a degree, there are several technology and IT roles that do not. Some of these roles include:
- Air Traffic Controller: With a median annual salary of $62,900, air traffic controllers are among the highest-paid jobs that do not require a degree.
- Web Developer: Web developers design and build websites, and with a median annual salary of $54,900, they are in high demand.
- Cybersecurity Specialist: Cybersecurity specialists work to protect computer systems and networks from cyber threats, and with a median annual salary of $63,900, they are among the highest-paid IT professionals.
These roles, along with many others, offer high-paying career opportunities for individuals interested in technology and IT.
Tips For Searching For A Job In Mississipi With No Degree
Below are some simple tips to have the best chance of finding your dream job.
- Online: Use job boards like Tallo, Indeed or Monster to search by skill and salary.
- State Resources: Programs from the Mississippi Board connect job seekers with employers in high growth industries.
- Vocational Training: Many public universities offer non-degree certificate programs in engineering, finance and health care.
Job Seeker Pro Tips
- Get certified (e.g. CDL for transportation, OSHA for construction).
- Network through Mississippi institutions and trade associations.
- Research companies that hire high school diploma applicants.
Benefits of Non-Degree Jobs Or Skills Based Careers
There are a number of benefits to taking a role or job in a skill-based career. While the average wage or salary may be lower, there are other reasons that make them highly appealing
- Cost Savings: No student loans with roles that don’t require a degree.
- Quick Entry: Start working and earning sooner with shorter training programs.
- Career Advancement: Many roles have clear paths to management or specialization.
State Economist Corey Miller says technical certifications are key to workforce readiness.
Get Started in Mississippi
Mississippi has many options for individuals without a bachelor’s degree. With transportation, healthcare, and construction roles, you can find high paying jobs with financial stability and meaningful careers.
Click here to browse roles in Mississippi in the Tallo App.
Popular Questions
Below are common questions we get asked about this topic.
What are the myths about high paying jobs with no college degree in Mississippi?
Many people believe high-paying jobs require a college degree, but many skilled trades and technical jobs pay well without formal education.
For example jobs such as electrical power-line installers and heavy truck drivers can pay over $50,000 a year with just a high school diploma or vocational training.
Are there specific industries in Mississippi where these high-paying jobs are found?
Yes, high-paying jobs with no college degree are found in industries such as construction, transportation, and utilities. The healthcare industry also has opportunities especially for roles like medical assistants or technicians that may require certification not a full degree.
How does Mississippi compare to other states for non-degree jobs?
Mississippi’s non-degree job market tends to pay lower than states with higher cost of living such as Texas or California. However, Mississippi’s cost of living is also lower so that balances out the salary difference. Some skilled trades can pay big due to high demand.
What kind of training or certifications can help with these jobs?
While many high-paying jobs don’t require a college degree, getting certifications can help a lot with employability and salary. For example certifications for truck drivers (CDL), electricians (state licenses), and HVAC technicians can get you better job offers and higher pay rates.
Are there opportunities for advancement in these fields for those without a degree?
Yes. Many of these jobs have paths for advancement through experience and additional training. As an example, starting as an electrical technician can lead to supervisory roles or specialized areas within the field and increase earning potential over time.
What resources are available for those looking to get into these high paying fields?
Individuals can access resources such as local community colleges that offer vocational training programs, online courses for certifications, and workforce development programs from the state. Organizations such as the Mississippi Department of Employment Security have job boards and training resources for in-demand skills.
If you join the Tallo App, you can find careers, internships and job opportunities which suit you in Mississippi.
