Pipefitter in Mississippi: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Skilled trades

Mississippi employs 3,360 pipefitters, with a statewide median of $55,480 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Mississippi licensing picture, and where to train.

What Pipefitters Earn in Mississippi (May 2025)

Mississippi median pay: $55,480 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $35,830
Experienced (75th percentile): $63,040
Top earners (90th percentile): $75,470
Employed in Mississippi: 3,360
U.S. median (for comparison): $62,970 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for pipefitters in major Mississippi markets:

Gulfport: $63,040 (1,240 employed)
Memphis: $58,690 (1,920 employed)
Jackson: $57,160 (550 employed)
Hattiesburg: $49,940 (80 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 $55,480 median stretches to roughly $63,770 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Mississippi (2024–2034)

Mississippi is projected to grow pipefitters employment +12.0%, faster than the +4.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 330 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Mississippi License and Certification Requirements

No state pipefitter license; UA apprenticeship — regulated by the No standalone Mississippi pipefitter license — UA apprenticeship.

Mississippi has no separate license for industrial pipefitting.
Apply to a United Association (UA) local apprenticeship (~5 years, earn-while-you-learn).
Note: plumbing-scope piping work falls under Mississippi plumbing/contractor rules.

Official requirements: No standalone Mississippi pipefitter license — UA apprenticeship →

Training in Mississippi

High pay in industrial, mechanical, and HVAC piping. Mississippi's shipbuilding (Ingalls), refining, and chemical sectors drive demand.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Mississippi include:

Hinds Community College — Certificate / Associate
Jones County Junior College — Certificate / Associate
Southwest Mississippi Community College — Associate

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: People who want strong union wages and enjoy precision mechanical work in industrial or commercial settings.

Think twice if: Industrial job sites, confined spaces, and working with high-pressure systems sound dangerous rather than interesting.

Why it's resilient: Pipefitters install and maintain high-pressure industrial piping systems — licensed work with safety-critical stakes in power plants, refineries, and commercial buildings.

First Steps

Contact UA (United Association) Local pipefitter apprenticeship programs in your area — separate from plumber apprenticeships.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do pipefitters make in Mississippi?

The median wage for pipefitters in Mississippi is $55,480 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $35,830, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $75,470. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Pipefitter in Mississippi?

No state pipefitter license; UA apprenticeship, overseen by the No standalone Mississippi pipefitter license — UA apprenticeship. Mississippi has no separate license for industrial pipefitting.

Is being a Pipefitter a good career in Mississippi?

Pipefitters install and maintain high-pressure industrial piping systems — licensed work with safety-critical stakes in power plants, refineries, and commercial buildings.

Which Mississippi metros pay pipefitters the most?

Among Mississippi metro areas, Gulfport leads at $63,040, followed by Memphis ($58,690), Jackson ($57,160). 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 a Pipefitter in Mississippi?

Real Mississippi options include Hinds Community College, Jones County Junior College, Southwest Mississippi Community College. Most pipefitters start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Pipefitter a growing career in Mississippi?

Mississippi projects pipefitters employment to change +12.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 330 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 47-2152. Licensing summary compiled from the No standalone Mississippi pipefitter license — UA apprenticeship (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.