Are you a tech professional exploring opportunities in an up-and-coming domestic market? Or maybe you‘re looking to begin a promising technology career without the cutthroat competition and steep costs plaguing traditional tech hub locations. In either case, Mississippi just might be the unexpected answer.
While the magnolia state is better recognized for southern hospitality and musical roots than its tech scene, don‘t underestimate its rapid emergence in everything from aerospace to biotechnology. Major investments underway promise to transform Mississippi into a central tech hub and talent pipeline for the southeast region in the years ahead.
But the real appeal for tech professionals lies in Mississippi‘s distinctive balance of career growth potential and unmatched quality of living. With climbing salaries aligning with breezy small-town vibes and bottom-basement costs of living, could Mississippi become the next big player for high-demand digital economy jobs?
I‘ve analyzed the data and outlook around the best-paying tech gigs available for those willing to take a chance on an unlikely upstart location. Keep reading for an in-depth guide to seven of Mississippi‘s most lucrative tech careers.
A Glance at Mississippi‘s Average Tech Salaries
Before highlighting the top roles, let‘s establish an average tech industry salary baseline for Mississippi. According to recent data compiled by recruitment platform Dice, the current average tech salary statewide falls around $75,593 per year.
To put that figure into perspective, Mississippi‘s average trails the national tech salary average by just under $5,000 annually. And it places the state squarely in line with comparable regional averages in similar southern states:
| State | Average Tech Salary |
|---|---|
| Mississippi | $75,593 |
| Alabama | $76,835 |
| Arkansas | $75,781 |
| Louisiana | $75,407 |
So while Mississippi tech salaries may not seem extraordinary at first glance, earning potential remains solid and climbs higher for specialized roles in high demand disciplines like data science, engineering and cybersecurity. And again, Mississippi‘s exceptionally low cost of living stretches tech incomes much further than pricier metros.
Now let‘s explore seven of the top tech occupations displaying strong salary outlooks and healthy growth in Mississippi.
1. Front End Web Developer
Average Base Salary: $71,695
Top Skills Needed: JavaScript, React, HTML/CSS
Front end web developers code and program the user-facing portion of websites and applications that shape the user experience. Leveraging languages like HTML, CSS and JavaScript, they build site structure, design visual interfaces and connect back end databases and APIs.
As a front end developer in Mississippi, average pay starts around $71,700 annually. Leading employers include FedEx, C Spire, WillowTree Apps and tech consulting firms like ValueLabs.
Beyond base pay, experienced front end developers in Mississippi see average total compensation climbing towards $90,000 per year with bonuses, stock options and profit sharing included.
If you‘re interested in launching a front end development career, JavaScript coding skills are mandatory. Familiarity with HTML and CSS fundamentals along with popular JavaScript frameworks like React and Angular is also helpful. Expect competition to increase amidst nationwide developer talent shortages.
Related roles: UX Designer, Web Designer, Software Engineer
2. Data Scientist
Average Base Salary: $120,245
Top Skills Needed: Python, R, SQL
Data scientists derive actionable insights from complex data sets to solve pressing business challenges. Leveraging statistical models, programming, data mining techniques and experiment design, they unlock quantitative narratives to inform decisions.
In Mississippi, data scientists out-earn every other tech profession tracked by Dice with $120,245 in average base salary. Adding bonuses and stock incentives, total compensation can reach upwards of $145,000 annually.
Top Mississippi companies hiring data experts range from flagship employers like FedEx, C Spire and Blue Cross Blue Shield to research university partnerships and biotech firms. With demand for analytics, AI and machine learning skills surging while qualified talent remains scarce, data scientists will continue commanding top salaries.
Aspiring data scientists should focus on fluency in programming languages like Python and R coupled with SQL database abilities. Coursework or certifications in machine learning and statistical modeling build additional competencies. Expect analytically-minded IT pros and statisticians to transition toward these lucrative data roles.
Related roles: Business Analyst, Database Architect, Data Engineer
3. Web Developer
Average Base Salary: $68,877
Top Skills Needed: JavaScript, Python, Java
Web developers design, build, and implement the websites and web applications powering everything from e-commerce to internal business systems. Using programming and scripting languages like JavaScript, they create visually appealing site interfaces with reliable cross-device performance.
In Mississippi, web developers earn just under $70,000 in average base salary. Additional cash incentives can boost total compensation above $85,000 annually for experienced coders at leading companies.
Growing Mississippi technology firms and digital agencies like WillowTree, Maris and Point Clear Solutions drive web developer hiring. Candidates with JavaScript mastery and skills converting mockups into functional sites using HTML and CSS see the most demand.
Breaking into web development requires proficiency in at least one ubiquitous web language like JavaScript, Python or Java. However, be prepared to continually add new frameworks and adapt to evolving coding standards. Patience debugging projects line-by-line counts equally as much as raw programming talent.
Related roles: Software Developer, QA Tester, DevOps Engineer
4. IT Project Manager
Average Base Salary: $92,397
Top Skills Needed: Leadership, Communication, Technical Knowledge
IT project managers spearhead teams to deliver complex software, infrastructure and other tech initiatives on time and budget. Leading cross-functional groups from conception through execution, they turn big picture plans into reality.
In Mississippi, IT project managers earn just over $90,000 in average base compensation. Performance incentives and profit sharing opportunities push overall earnings above $115,000 per year.
Major Mississippi-based companies like FedEx, C Spire, Blue Cross Blue Shield and large consulting groups heavily recruit experienced IT project managers to guide key tech projects. Candidates able to demonstrate leadership capabilities and communication skills in addition to technical backgrounds garner priority.
Although a four-year college degree is optional, many project managers pursue higher education in technology, information systems or computer science fields. Obtaining CAPM or PMP project management certification lends further credibility for those lacking direct PM experience already.
Related roles: Program Manager, Product Manager, Business Analyst
5. Linux Systems Administrator
Average Base Salary: $85,469
Top Skills Needed: Linux, Bash Scripting, Cloud Platforms
Linux systems administrators install, configure, and support Linux operating systems that power enterprise infrastructures. Ensuring optimal performance across server racks, mainframes and cloud networks, they help architect solutions tailored for security, scale and budget needs.
For Linux professionals in Mississippi, average base compensation starts around $85,500 annually. Extensive Linux experience and in-demand cloud infrastructure skills like Kubernetes and OpenStack administration can propel earnings past $105,000.
Major corporations and IT services companies including FedEx, Leidos, IBM, Presidio and Wipro drive strong demand for Linux expertise across the state. Cloud computing growth also elevates needs for multi-cloud certified architects and engineers.
Adeptness administering common distributions like Red Hat or Ubuntu Linux form the core competency for aspirational admins. Excellent troubleshooting skills also prove critical. Common scripting languages like Bash and Python automate routine tasks.
Related roles: Cloud Engineer, Site Reliability Engineer, Network Architect
6. SEO Manager
Average Base Salary: $79,083
Top Skills Needed: Content Strategy, Data Analysis, Digital Marketing
SEO (search engine optimization) managers craft digital strategies designed to maximize website visibility within search engines like Google. Utilizing tactics from keyword placement to technical performance improvements, they attract qualified visitors to drive conversions.
In Mississippi, SEO manager salaries average just under $80,000 annually for base compensation. Performance incentives and commissions can boost total earnings above $100,000 for successful digital marketing leaders.
SEO managers enjoy abundant opportunities at Mississippi marketing agencies like Maris, Point Clear Solutions and The Focus Group. E-commerce retailers, healthcare systems and SaaS platforms also recruit SEO experts internally to improve organic reach.
Transitioning into an SEO role requires minimum 2-3 years experience in areas like content production, web development or broader digital marketing willing to deepen technical competencies. Strong analytical aptitude manipulating site metrics and creating data visualizations also important.
Related roles: Digital Marketing Manager, Web Analyst, Content Strategist
7. Information Security Engineer
Average Base Salary: $104,733
Top Skills Needed: Risk Management, Infrastructure Knowledge, Programming
Information security engineers design and implement solutions safeguarding systems, networks and data from cyberthreats. Also referred to as cybersecurity engineers, they maintain digital defenses ensuring enterprise protections evolve in lockstep with escalating technology risks.
In Mississippi, information security engineers average over $100,000 in base salary with some specialized experts earning up to $140,000 annually. Leading employers include heavyweight IT consulting firms, government contractors, healthcare networks and major corporations across sectors.
The information security field broadly requires understanding infrastructural vulnerabilities and regularly conducting penetration tests mimicking attacks. More specialized disciplines like cloud security also demand software proficiencies around "infrastructure as code" to embed protection.
Aspiring cybersecurity practitioners benefit hugely from certifications like the CompTIA Security+ or EC-Council‘s Certified Ethical Hacker credential matching security career paths. Ongoing education advancing technical and communication abilities also pays dividends.
Related roles: Security Architect, Security Analyst, Security Administrator
Key Takeaways and Getting Started
While Mississippi certainly trails leading technology hubs in terms of sheer opportunity volume, its emerging innovation economy shows genuine promise for rewarding tech careers minus cutthroat competition and ridiculous costs of living hampering other markets.
As the breakdown illustrates, standout occupations like data scientists, IT project managers and information security engineers comfortably exceed national salary averages despite Mississippi‘s modest baseline. And complementary roles in high demand areas such as front end development, Linux administration and digital marketing also best comparable states.
I hope this guide provides useful insight to any tech pro considering Mississippi as the next destination to grow their career while actually enjoying fruits of their labor. With major investments planned around research partnerships, aerospace and advanced manufacturing in the years ahead, expect many more appealing technology openings yet to materialize.
For anyone launching or transitioning their career, focus first on acquiring baseline skills for roles of interest before worrying about job hunting. Programming languages, foundational IT certifications and fundamental technical knowledge open doors much faster than degrees alone.
Questions or thoughts on finding fulfilling tech work amidst Mississippi‘s blossoming opportunities? Feel free to reach out via email or Twitter if I can help weigh options or provide guidance. But for now, I wish you the best pursuing meaningful work that nourishes rather than drains in this promising upstart locale!
