10 Major Mississippi Industries to Consider if You’re Working in or Moving to the State
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Mississippi’s economy is rich with opportunities, attracting new residents considering moving to the Magnolia State. Whether you’re browsing homes for sale in Jackson or apartments in Gulfport, Mississippi offers a welcoming environment for families and professionals alike. The state’s diverse industries range from agriculture to aerospace, catering to a variety of career paths. Mississippi’s cost of living remains affordable, making it a compelling destination for job seekers and homebuyers. Learn more about Mississippi major industries and the potential they hold for your future.
Mississippi at a glance: Home prices, income, and employment
Top employers in Mississippi
Walmart: 25,900 employees
State of Mississippi: 23,700 employees
Toyota Motor Corp: 8,700 employees
North Mississippi Health Services: 7,200 employees
Nissan Motor Co.: 12,100 employees
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Deciding between renting or buying your next home?
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10 major industries in Mississippi
1. Manufacturing
Major Employers: Nissan (locations in Mississippi), Ingalls Shipbuilding (Pascagoula), Yokohama Tire Corporation (location in West Point).
Mississippi’s manufacturing sector is a vital part of its economy, producing everything from automobiles to shipbuilding equipment. Nissan employs thousands in Canton, offering jobs in automotive assembly and maintenance. Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula provides roles in ship design and welding for naval vessels. Manufacturing jobs often come with competitive benefits, drawing many workers to Mississippi. Relocating to areas with strong manufacturing hubs can provide stability and growth opportunities.
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2. Agriculture
Major Employers: Sanderson Farms (locations in Mississippi), Cal-Maine Foods (Ridgeland), Delta Pine & Land (Scott).
Agriculture is deeply rooted in Mississippi’s history, with poultry, soybeans, and cotton as key products in the state’s $8.8 billion industry. Sanderson Farms operates processing plants, employing workers in production and logistics. Cal-Maine Foods in Jackson provides roles in egg production and distribution. These jobs are essential for feeding the nation and offer meaningful work to residents. The industry thrives in rural areas, providing a slower pace of life.
Major Employers: University of Mississippi Medical Center (Jackson), Baptist Memorial Hospital (locations in Mississippi), Memorial Hospital (Gulfport).
Healthcare is one of Mississippi’s fastest-growing industries, providing critical services to residents. The University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson offers jobs for nurses, doctors, and researchers. Memorial Hospital in Gulfport provides opportunities in patient care and administrative roles. Healthcare jobs appeal to those seeking stability and community impact. Moving near top healthcare employers offers a level of convenience for new residents.
Major Employers: Entergy Mississippi (Jackson), Chevron (office in Pascagoula), Atmos Energy (locations in Mississippi).
Mississippi’s energy industry includes oil refining, natural gas, and renewable energy production. Entergy Mississippi provides jobs in electricity distribution and engineering. Chevron’s Pascagoula Refinery employs workers in refining operations and environmental safety. Energy careers often come with excellent pay and advancement opportunities. Living near these hubs offers proximity to dynamic career options.
Major Employers: C Spire (Ridgeland), BeyondTrust Corporation (office in Ridgeland), Raytheon (locations in Mississippi).
The technology industry in Mississippi is expanding, focusing on telecommunications and software development. C Spire in Ridgeland employs IT professionals and network engineers. BeyondTrust Corporation offers roles in cybersecurity and software support. This sector attracts innovative minds and provides room for career growth. Relocating here lets you join a growing tech community.
Major Employers: FedEx (locations in Mississippi), UPS (locations in Mississippi), KLLM Transport Services (Richland).
Generating almost $5 billion from transportation and warehousing, Mississippi is a logistics hub, connecting goods through air, rail, and road. KLLM Transport Services in Jackson offers roles in trucking and logistics management. Companies like FedEx and UPS provide opportunities in package handling and route planning. This industry supports commerce and provides steady employment. Proximity to major logistics hubs simplifies commutes and work-life balance.
Major Employers: Beau Rivage Resort (Biloxi), Harrah’s Gulf Coast (Biloxi), IP Casino Resort Spa (Biloxi).
Tourism contributes significantly to Mississippi’s economy, especially along the Gulf Coast. Resorts like Beau Rivage in Biloxi employ staff in customer service, food service, and event planning. Harrah’s Gulf Coast offers positions in gaming and hotel management. Living near these resorts provides access to local resorts and coastal living.
Major Employers: Mississippi State University (Starkville), University of Mississippi (Oxford), Jackson State University (Jackson).
Education is a cornerstone of Mississippi’s workforce, with several major universities and colleges. Mississippi State University employs professors, administrators, and researchers in Starkville. The University of Mississippi in Oxford offers opportunities in academic advising and program coordination. Living near local universities combines academic culture with college-town charm.
Major Employers: Walmart (locations in Mississippi), Kroger (locations in Mississippi), Belk (Jackson).
Retail trade supports Mississippi’s economy through stores, distribution centers, and e-commerce. The industry supports over a tenth of the state’s workforce. Companies like Walmart and Kroger provide jobs in sales, inventory management, and customer service. Retail careers are ideal for those seeking entry-level or managerial opportunities. Local retail hubs provide access to convenient amenities.
Major Employers: Weyerhaeuser, Georgia-Pacific, International Paper (all based out of state with locations in Mississippi).
Mississippi’s vast forests support a thriving wood products industry. Weyerhaeuser provides jobs in forestry management and lumber processing. Georgia-Pacific offers roles in manufacturing paper products and packaging materials. Relocating to forestry regions can offer peace and proximity to nature.
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