Auto Technician in Mississippi: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
Mississippi employs 7,410 auto technicians, with a statewide median of $37,820 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Mississippi licensing picture, and where to train.
What Auto technicians Earn in Mississippi (May 2025)
- Mississippi median pay
- $37,820 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $28,650
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $55,000
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $74,000
- Employed in Mississippi
- 7,410
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $49,670 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for auto technicians in major Mississippi markets:
- Memphis
- $50,490 (2,980 employed)
- Gulfport
- $39,120 (980 employed)
- Jackson
- $38,040 (1,900 employed)
- Hattiesburg
- $37,700 (430 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Mississippi
Prices in Mississippi run about 13% below the national average (cost-of-living index 87.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $37,820 median stretches to roughly $43,471 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Mississippi (2024–2034)
Mississippi is projected to grow auto technicians employment +4.4%, about in line with the +4.2% projected nationally. The state expects about 650 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Mississippi License and Certification Requirements
No state license; ASE certification (voluntary) — regulated by the No license required — ASE certification is the industry standard.
- Mississippi does not license auto technicians.
- Train through a community-college automotive program or a dealer/independent shop apprenticeship.
- Earn ASE certifications (A1–A8) as you gain experience — they drive pay and hiring.
Official requirements: No license required — ASE certification is the industry standard →
Training in Mississippi
Dealer/manufacturer training plus ASE certs raise your rate fastest. Mississippi's auto-manufacturing sector (Nissan, Toyota) boosts demand.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Mississippi include:
- Coahoma Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Copiah-Lincoln Community College — Certificate / Associate
- East Central Community College — Certificate / Associate
- East Mississippi Community College — Certificate / Associate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: Mechanical thinkers who like troubleshooting tangible systems.
Think twice if: You want clean, quiet work or dislike changing technology and tight labor times.
Why it's resilient: Vehicles still need physical diagnosis, repair, inspection, and customer trust, even as tools get smarter.
First Steps
Look into ASE-aligned programs, apprenticeships, and entry-level shop roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do auto technicians make in Mississippi?
The median wage for auto technicians in Mississippi is $37,820 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $28,650, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $74,000. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Auto Technician in Mississippi?
No state license; ASE certification (voluntary), overseen by the No license required — ASE certification is the industry standard. Mississippi does not license auto technicians.
Is being an Auto Technician a good career in Mississippi?
Vehicles still need physical diagnosis, repair, inspection, and customer trust, even as tools get smarter.
Which Mississippi metros pay auto technicians the most?
Among Mississippi metro areas, Memphis leads at $50,490, followed by Gulfport ($39,120), Jackson ($38,040). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become an Auto Technician in Mississippi?
Real Mississippi options include Coahoma Community College, Copiah-Lincoln Community College, East Central Community College. Most auto technicians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Auto Technician a growing career in Mississippi?
Mississippi projects auto technicians employment to change +4.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 650 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Mississippi statewide and metro estimates for SOC 49-3023. Licensing summary compiled from the No license required — ASE certification is the industry standard (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Mississippi wages · Mississippi licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.