Maintenance & Repair Workers Salary in Mississippi

Maintenance & repair workers in Mississippi earn a median salary of $40,580 annually, or $19.51 per hour. While this sits below the national median of $48,620, Mississippi's lower cost of living (15% below national average) makes the buying power equivalent to $47,573 nationally. Entry-level workers start around $25,480, while experienced professionals can earn up to $68,220. Pay varies significantly based on specialization—those skilled in HVAC, electrical work, or industrial equipment maintenance typically earn more. Location matters too, with Jackson and Gulf Coast areas offering higher wages than rural regions. Union membership, while less common in Mississippi, can boost earnings by 10-15%. The field offers solid job security with consistent demand from manufacturing facilities, hospitals, schools, and commercial properties. Career advancement opportunities include supervisory roles, specialized certifications, or transitioning into related trades. With manufacturing growth along the Gulf Coast and ongoing infrastructure needs, job prospects remain steady for skilled maintenance workers.

Mississippi offers multiple paths into maintenance work without requiring a college degree. Most workers start with on-the-job training lasting 1-2 years, learning from experienced technicians while earning entry-level wages. Community colleges like Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Hinds Community College, and East Mississippi Community College offer maintenance technology programs, typically 6-12 months long, covering electrical basics, plumbing, HVAC fundamentals, and mechanical systems. These programs cost $3,000-$5,000 and significantly boost starting wages. Mississippi doesn't require state licensing for general maintenance workers, but specialized work may need certifications—electrical work requires licensing through the Mississippi State Board of Contractors, and HVAC work benefits from EPA certification for refrigerant handling. The Mississippi Department of Employment Security partners with employers for registered apprenticeships, particularly in manufacturing. Major employers like Ingalls Shipbuilding, Nissan, and various chemical plants along the Gulf Coast offer structured training programs. Union opportunities exist through the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 624. Key skills include basic electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and mechanical repair. Getting OSHA 10 certification shows safety commitment and is often required by larger employers.

The wage gap between Mississippi's lowest and highest-paid maintenance workers is substantial—$42,740 separates the 10th percentile ($25,480) from the 90th percentile ($68,220). This 168% difference typically reflects experience, specialization, and employer type. Workers earning in the bottom 25% ($31,730 or less) are often new to the field, work for smaller companies, or handle basic tasks like cleaning and minor repairs. The middle 50% ($31,730-$52,530) represents experienced generalists at schools, hospitals, and mid-sized facilities. Top earners ($52,530+) usually have 5+ years experience, specialized skills in industrial equipment, HVAC, or electrical systems, and work for major manufacturers, petrochemical companies, or hold supervisory positions. Geographic location within Mississippi also impacts pay—Jackson metro and Gulf Coast industrial areas typically pay 15-25% more than rural regions. Union membership, while uncommon in Mississippi, can add $5,000-$8,000 annually when available.