Plumbers, Pipefitters & Steamfitters Salary in Mississippi

Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in Mississippi earn a median salary of $57,960 annually, or $27.87 per hour. While this is below the national median of $62,970, Mississippi's lower cost of living (15% below national average) makes this equivalent to $67,948 in purchasing power. Entry-level workers (10th percentile) start around $36,710, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) can earn up to $77,270. Pay varies significantly based on experience level, with the middle 50% earning between $43,330 and $62,960. Union membership, specialized skills in industrial piping or steamfitting, and working in metro areas like Jackson or the Gulf Coast typically command higher wages. The trade offers solid earning potential without requiring a college degree, and demand remains steady due to ongoing construction projects, industrial facilities along the Mississippi River, and infrastructure maintenance needs throughout the state.

In Mississippi, becoming a plumber, pipefitter, or steamfitter typically requires completing a 4-5 year apprenticeship program totaling 8,000-10,000 hours of combined classroom instruction and on-the-job training. The United Association (UA) Local 636 in Jackson offers the most comprehensive apprenticeship program, though non-union apprenticeships are also available through contractors and technical schools. Mississippi requires journeyman plumber licensing, which involves passing a state examination after completing your apprenticeship. The Mississippi State Board of Contractors oversees licensing requirements. During apprenticeship, you'll earn progressively higher wages, typically starting at 40-50% of journeyman rate ($11-14/hour) and increasing every six months until reaching full pay. Key training locations include Hinds Community College and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, which offer related technical instruction. Apprentices learn pipe installation, blueprint reading, local plumbing codes, safety procedures, and specialized skills for industrial applications. The shipbuilding industry along the Gulf Coast and petrochemical facilities provide excellent training opportunities for pipefitters and steamfitters specifically.

The $40,560 gap between Mississippi's lowest earners ($36,710) and highest earners ($77,270) reflects several key factors. Entry-level workers in the 10th percentile are typically first-year apprentices or those in rural areas with limited industrial work. The 25th percentile ($43,330) represents second and third-year apprentices or journeymen in smaller markets. Workers earning the median ($57,960) are experienced journeymen in standard residential and commercial work. Those in the 75th percentile ($62,960) often have specialized skills in industrial piping, work for union contractors, or serve metropolitan areas. Top earners in the 90th percentile ($77,270) typically combine several advantages: union membership, specialized certifications in steamfitting or industrial processes, supervisory roles, or work in high-demand sectors like petrochemicals along the Gulf Coast or shipbuilding in Pascagoula.