Mississippi Trade Schools and Apprenticeships
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We only list Accredited Schools and U.S. Department of Labor–registered Apprenticeships. Programs cannot pay to be featured.
Cost & Timeline to a Trade Career in Mississippi
Average Cost of Trade School in Mississippi
Most trade programs in Mississippi are offered through public technical schools and community colleges. The tuition figures below are a baseline for many career programs, while total out-of-pocket cost can vary by trade due to lab time, tools, and certification or licensing requirements.
In Mississippi, Gulf Coast activity and inland manufacturing can shape demand, with opportunities often clustered around key metros and corridors.
Residency matters: Out-of-state tuition is about $2,673 higher than in-state on average.
| Mississippi Public 2-Year Tuition (In-State) | $4,332 |
|---|---|
| Mississippi Public 2-Year Tuition (Out-of-State) | $7,005 |
What this usually does not include: Tools/PPE, books, lab fees, certification exams, travel, and program-specific supply costs.
Trade type: Lab-heavy programs (welding, electrical, industrial maintenance) can carry higher equipment and lab fees than shorter programs (like CDL).
Average Cost of Apprenticeship in Mississippi
Apprenticeships are often paid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs while you build skills through supervised work and related instruction. Your out-of-pocket costs are often minimal to none (as the apprentice). The employer will typically cover tuition, while you earn a salary. Potential out-of-pocket costs for apprenticeships may include supplies, tools, or travel.
About this data: Tuition data sources include Apprenticeship.gov, College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Actual costs may vary by program length, residency, and supplies.
Mississippi Timeline, Pay & Licensing
- Mississippi trade timelines often emphasize early workforce entry: 6–18 months for entry training, and 3–5 years for apprenticeships depending on trade and required hours.
- Licensing and permitting vary by trade and scope. Regulated work may require licensing and documented experience, and local permits/inspections are common—confirm the rules for your specific trade and jurisdiction.
- Some trades require additional classroom hours, exams, or documented work hours. That can increase total time-in-training and overall cost.
- Requirements vary by trade and locality—some paths require exams and documented hours, while others focus more on employer training.
Typical timelines by trade
| Trade | School (Typical) | Apprenticeship (Typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | 6–18 months | 3–5 years |
| Plumber | 6–18 months | 3–5 years |
| HVAC Technician | 6–18 months | 2–5 years |
| Welder | 4–12 months | 1–4 years |
| Carpenter | 3–12 months | 3–4 years |
| CDL Truck Driver | 1–3 months | 0–1 year |
Timelines are general ranges and can vary by program, employer, and licensing requirements.
Average Trade Wages in Mississippi
Below is a snapshot of typical wages for popular trades in Mississippi. Figures are pulled from our state wage datasets for each trade.
Tip: Click a trade name to explore pay trends, training paths, and state-by-state comparisons.
| Trade | Avg Hourly | Avg Weekly | Avg Monthly | Avg Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Technician | $25.38 | $1,015 | $4,401 | $52,795 |
| AV Technician | $31.57 | $1,263 | $5,472 | $65,666 |
| Carpenter | $24.73 | $990 | $4,288 | $51,458 |
| CDL Truck Driver | $34.06 | $1,362 | $5,900 | $70,805 |
| CNC Machinist | $23.39 | $937 | $4,058 | $48,691 |
| Construction | $24.83 | $994 | $4,306 | $51,666 |
| Concrete Finisher | $27.22 | $1,089 | $4,717 | $56,602 |
| Diesel Technician | $28.27 | $1,130 | $4,899 | $58,782 |
| Electrician | $29.95 | $1,198 | $5,191 | $62,296 |
| Heavy Equipment | $24.46 | $949 | $4,109 | $49,312 |
| HVAC Technician | $27.56 | $1,102 | $4,777 | $57,324 |
| Industrial Mechanic | $27.19 | $1,088 | $4,714 | $56,567 |
| Ironworker | $25.91 | $1,035 | $4,485 | $53,819 |
| Lineworker | $40.56 | $1,622 | $7,030 | $84,364 |
| Marine Mechanic | $28.13 | $1,125 | $4,876 | $58,469 |
| Mason | $26.44 | $1,058 | $4,583 | $54,995 |
| Plumber | $31.78 | $1,231 | $5,335 | $64,022 |
| Roofer | $23.84 | $954 | $4,132 | $49,587 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $25.23 | $969 | $4,196 | $50,354 |
| Welder | $24.08 | $962 | $4,171 | $50,046 |
Wage figures are estimates and can vary by experience level, metro area, union status, and employer.
Why Mississippi Is a Strong State for Trade Careers
Mississippi’s trade economy is supported by manufacturing, shipbuilding, energy production, utilities, and steady residential and commercial construction. Large industrial employers, port activity along the Gulf Coast, and statewide infrastructure needs create consistent demand for electricians, welders, pipefitters, HVAC technicians, carpenters, and industrial maintenance trades.
Looking for ways to fund your education? Check out scholarships available for Mississippi students and explore more financial aid resources at CollegeWhale.
Where Trade Demand Is Concentrated
- Gulf Coast (Pascagoula / Gulfport): Shipbuilding, port operations, industrial maintenance, and construction.
- Jackson metro area: Commercial construction, utilities, healthcare facilities, and public works.
- North Mississippi: Manufacturing plants, logistics facilities, and industrial maintenance roles.
- Statewide rural areas: Ongoing need for service trades, electrical work, plumbing, and HVAC.
Major Employers and Contractors in Mississippi
Tradespeople in Mississippi frequently work with employers tied to manufacturing, shipbuilding, and utilities, including:
- Ingalls Shipbuilding — Major shipyard in Pascagoula employing welders, pipefitters, electricians, and metal trades.
- Nissan North America (Canton Plant) — Automotive manufacturing supporting industrial maintenance and skilled trades.
- Entergy Mississippi — Electrical utility infrastructure and maintenance work.
Union vs Non-Union Trade Paths in Mississippi
Mississippi is primarily a non-union trade state, especially in residential construction, service trades, and smaller commercial projects. Union opportunities exist but are more concentrated in shipbuilding, industrial facilities, and large-scale projects.
Union Apprenticeships in Mississippi
Union apprenticeship opportunities are limited compared to other states but are most commonly found in industrial and shipyard-related work.
- IBEW Local 606 — Electrical workers supporting industrial and utility projects in parts of Mississippi.
- UA Local 568 — Plumbing, pipefitting, and HVAC training connected to industrial projects.
- SMART Local 568 — Sheet metal workers involved in industrial and shipyard-related fabrication.
Non-Union and Open-Shop Trade Routes
Non-union trade routes dominate Mississippi’s job market. Many contractors hire entry-level workers directly and provide on-the-job training, particularly in residential construction, HVAC service, electrical contracting, and general maintenance roles.
In Mississippi, non-union pathways often provide the fastest entry into the trades, while union opportunities are typically tied to larger industrial or shipbuilding projects.
| Factor | Union Apprenticeships | Non-Union / Open-Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Training Structure | Formal apprenticeship on select industrial projects | Employer-based, hands-on training |
| Pay Progression | Defined wage scales where applicable | Pay increases based on experience or employer policy |
| Benefits | Benefits available on certain union projects | Benefits vary widely by employer |
| Project Types | Shipyards, industrial facilities, utilities | Residential, service, light commercial, maintenance |
| Best Fit For | Workers targeting industrial or shipyard roles | Workers seeking fast entry and local job opportunities |