Certifications & licenses in Mississippi
Compare requirements, salaries, and career paths for 28 professional credentials in MS. Data from BLS OEWS and primary state licensing sources.
What's different about Mississippi
Licensing landscape in Mississippi
Mississippi requires massage therapists to complete a minimum of 700 hours of education and training as of 2024.
Mississippi State Board of Massage Therapy
A Residential Builder License is required for new construction projects valued at over $50,000.
Mississippi State Board of Contractors
The Mississippi State Department of Health's Professional Licensure division handles licensing for various health professions, including occupational therapy.
Mississippi State Department of Health
As of 2026, Mississippi offers three types of licensure for professional counselors: P-LPC, LPC, and LPC-S.
Mississippi State Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors
Metro concentration of certified careers
Cost-of-living adjusted earnings in Mississippi
With the 2nd lowest cost of living, a $50K salary in Mississippi has the purchasing power of a much higher salary in an average-cost state.
Regional comparison: Mississippi vs. neighbors
| State | Median annual wage | vs MS |
|---|---|---|
| MS | $31,520 | — |
| AL | $34,140 | +8% vs MS |
| LA | $30,510 | -3% vs MS |
| TN | $37,990 | +21% vs MS |
| AR | $34,430 | +9% vs MS |
| State | Required training hours | vs MS |
|---|---|---|
| MS | 700 hours | — |
| AL | 650 hours | -50 hours |
| LA | 500 hours | -200 hours |
| TN | 500 hours | -200 hours |
| AR | 500 hours | -200 hours |
Healthcare in Mississippi
14 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Required | $31,520 |
| Dental Assistant | No | $39,160 |
| EMT | Required | $36,630 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Required | $50,220 |
| Medical Assistant | No | $35,360 |
| Medical Coder | No | $41,500 |
| Paramedic | Required | $54,630 |
| Pharmacy Technician | Required | $39,040 |
| Phlebotomist | No | $36,290 |
| Radiology Technologist | Required | $59,300 |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | Required | $77,090 |
| Respiratory Therapist | Required | $63,270 |
| Surgical Technologist | No | $49,810 |
| Dental Hygienist | Required | $67,280 |
Skilled Trades in Mississippi
5 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| CDL Truck Driver | Required | $51,820 |
| Electrician | Required | $60,860 |
| HVAC Technician | Required | $48,680 |
| Plumber | Required | $55,480 |
| Welder | Required | $51,100 |
Personal Care & Wellness in Mississippi
4 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Trainer | No | $30,540 |
| Barber | Required | $38,480 |
| Cosmetologist | Required | $27,560 |
| Massage Therapist | Required | $40,490 |
Professional & Business in Mississippi
5 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| CPA (Certified Public Accountant) | Required | $68,100 |
| Notary Public | Required | — |
| Paralegal | No | $46,180 |
| Insurance Agent | Required | $47,930 |
| Real Estate Agent | Required | $39,550 |