If you want a good job, stability, and quality of life making good money…

You need skills that pay.

Mississippi has thousands of high-quality skilled jobs that pay well above average in sectors like advanced manufacturing, energy, transportation and logistics, healthcare, information technology, and construction. Jobs in these industries often do not require a four-year degree, which means:

  • Less debt to keep up with the rising cost of living

  • Quicker earning potential

  • More stability for workers going into these fields

  • Quality of life

With the right skills, you could start out making over $50,000 a year!

Currently, Mississippi faces a significant shortage of workers in these high-demand industries. Surveys show students lack awareness of these jobs and have a negative perception of them believing they are low-paying or low-quality careers – two common, but inaccurate beliefs.

To address these issues, The Skills Foundation launched Skills That Pay – a campaign to educate key stakeholders on the many opportunities in Hattiesburg and throughout the State. Skills That Pay targets parents, educators, industry and community leaders, influencers, and students, empowering a coalition to help share the message to encourage people to consider these high-quality career pathways.

INDUSTRIES IN NEED OF SKILLED WORKERS

  • ENERGY

    Whether you’re charging your phone, driving to the store, or watching tv, you need energy to do it. Producing energy and maintaining the grid is critical to every aspect of our lives, and the people making that happen earn premium wages to keep our lights on and cars running. Jump into the energy field and earn over $100,000 in many of these careers!

  • HEALTHCARE

    Healthcare opportunities are abundant across the state. Starting a career in healthcare is one of the smartest investments you can make for your future. With most positions in high demand, you’ll never need to worry about job security or higher earning potential.

  • INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

    In an increasingly digital world run by code and computer programs, there is a growing need for professionals with IT-based skills. Jobs in this sector pay well-above-average wages, will always be in high demand, and create significant opportunities for entrepreneurism. Training providers for skills like coding, computer programming, cybersecurity, network analysts, and more exist all across Mississippi.

  • MANUFACTURING

    Advanced manufacturing is one of Mississippi’s largest – and highest paying – industries. You can be on the front lines using cutting-edge technology to create products used all over the world and earn a great living doing it. With jobs paying premium wages all across Mississippi, there’s never been a better time to start a career in advanced manufacturing.

  • CONSTRUCTION

    Mississippi faces a shortage of over 90,000 construction workers, meaning companies will pay top dollar to people with the right skills! Skills like carpentry, plumbing, welding, electrical, and heavy machinery are all in HUGE demand. Start building a great career by getting Construction Skills That Pay!

LEARN MORE

Visit MSPathfinder to find training opportunities near you for Mississippi's hottest jobs. Whether through one of Mississippi’s Universities, Community Colleges or Technical Programs, our state has you covered.