Mississippi’s economy is rich with opportunity and attracts new residents considering moving to the Magnolia State. Whether you’re looking for a home for sale in Jackson or an apartment in Gulfport, Mississippi offers a welcoming environment for families and professionals alike. The state’s diverse industries range from agriculture to aerospace and accommodate a variety of career paths. Mississippi’s cost of living remains affordable, making it an attractive destination for job seekers and home buyers. Learn more about Mississippi’s major industries and the opportunities they hold for your future.
Mississippi Overview: Home Prices, Income, and Employment
Top Employers in Mississippi
Walmart: 25,900 employees Mississippi: 23,700 employees Toyota Motor Corporation: 8,700 employees North Mississippi Health Services: 7,200 employees Nissan Motor Co.: 12,100 employees
Mississippi’s 10 major industries
1. Manufacturing
Major employers: Nissan (based in Mississippi), Ingalls Shipyard (Pascagoula), Yokohama Tire Corporation (based in West Point).
Mississippi’s manufacturing industry is an important part of the state’s economy, producing everything from automobiles to shipbuilding equipment. Nissan employs thousands of people in Canton, providing auto assembly and maintenance jobs. Ingalls Shipyard in Pascagoula is responsible for ship design and welding for warships. Manufacturing jobs often come with competitive advantages and attract many workers to Mississippi. Relocating to an area with a strong manufacturing base provides stability and opportunities for growth.
Considering moving to Mississippi to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Canton or Pascagoula.
2. Agriculture
Major Employers: Sanderson Farms (Mississippi), Cal-Maine Foods (Ridgeland), Delta Pine & Land (Scott).
Agriculture is deeply rooted in Mississippi’s history, with poultry, soybeans, and cotton being key products in the state’s $8.8 billion industry. Sanderson Farms operates processing plants and employs production and logistics employees. Cal-Maine Foods in Jackson is responsible for egg production and distribution. These jobs are essential to feeding the population and provide meaningful work for residents. In the countryside, industry is thriving and the pace of life is slower.
Considering moving to Mississippi to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Ridgeland or Scott.
3. Healthcare
Major Employers: University of Mississippi Medical Center (Jackson), Baptist Memorial Hospital (located in Mississippi), Memorial Hospital (Gulfport).
Healthcare is one of the fastest growing industries in Mississippi, providing an important service to residents. The University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson offers jobs for nurses, physicians, and researchers. Memorial Hospital in Gulfport offers opportunities for patient care and administrative roles. Healthcare jobs are attractive to people who seek stability and impact in their communities. Moving closer to top medical employers provides certain conveniences for new residents.
Considering moving to Mississippi to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Jackson or Gulfport.
4. Energy
Major Employers: Entergy Mississippi (Jackson), Chevron (Pascagoula office), Atmos Energy (Mississippi locations).
Mississippi’s energy industry includes oil refining, natural gas, and renewable energy production. Entergy Mississippi offers electrical distribution and engineering jobs. Chevron’s Pascagoula Refinery employs workers in refining operations and environmental safety. Careers in the energy field often come with competitive pay and opportunities for advancement. Living near these hubs provides dynamic career options.
Considering moving to Mississippi to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Jackson or Pascagoula.
5. Technology
Major Employers: C Spire (Ridgeland), BeyondTrust Corporation (Ridgeland office), Raytheon (Mississippi location).
Mississippi’s technology industry is expanding with a focus on telecommunications and software development. C Spire in Ridgeland is hiring IT professionals and network engineers. BeyondTrust Corporation offers cybersecurity and software support roles. This field attracts innovative talent and provides room for career growth. When you relocate here, you’ll be able to join a growing technology community.
Considering moving to Mississippi to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Ridgeland or Jackson.
6. Transportation and logistics
Major Employers: FedEx (Mississippi location), UPS (Mississippi location), KLLM Transport Services (Richland).
Generating nearly $5 billion from transportation and warehousing, Mississippi is a logistics hub that connects goods through air, rail and road. KLLM Transport Services in Jackson offers trucking and logistics management roles. Companies like FedEx and UPS offer package handling and route planning opportunities. This industry supports commerce and provides stable employment. Our proximity to major logistics hubs simplifies commuting and work-life balance.
Considering moving to Mississippi to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Jackson or Richland.
7. Tourism and hospitality
Major Employers: Beau Rivage Resort (Biloxi), Harrah’s Gulf Coast (Biloxi), IP Casino Resort Spa (Biloxi).
Tourism is a major contributor to Mississippi’s economy, especially along the Gulf Coast. Resorts like Beau Rivage in Biloxi employ staff for customer service, food service and event planning. Harrah’s Gulf Coast offers gaming and hotel management positions. Living near these resorts allows you to enjoy local resorts and coastal living.
Considering moving to Mississippi to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Biloxi or Gulfport.
8. Education
Major Employers: Mississippi State University (Starkville), University of Mississippi (Oxford), Jackson State University (Jackson).
Education is the foundation of Mississippi’s workforce and is home to several major universities. Mississippi State University employs professors, administrators, and researchers in Starkville. The University of Mississippi at Oxford offers academic advising and program coordination opportunities. Living near a local university combines academic culture with the charm of a college town.
Considering moving to Mississippi to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Starkville or Oxford.
9. Retail industry
Major Employers: Walmart (Mississippi location), Kroger (Mississippi location), Belk (Jackson).
Retail supports Mississippi’s economy through stores, distribution centers, and e-commerce. The industry supports more than one-tenth of the state’s workforce. Companies like Walmart and Kroger offer jobs in sales, inventory management, and customer service. A career in retail is ideal for those seeking entry-level or management opportunities. Local retail locations offer convenient amenities.
Considering moving to Mississippi to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Jackson or Clinton.
10. Forestry/wood products
Major Employers: Weyerhaeuser, Georgia-Pacific, International Paper (all based out of state and in Mississippi).
Mississippi’s vast forests support a thriving wood products industry. Weyerhaeuser offers jobs in forest management and wood processing. Georgia-Pacific offers manufacturing roles in paper products and packaging materials. Moving to a forest area offers peace and closeness to nature.
Considering moving to Mississippi to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Philadelphia or Magnolia.
