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HOURLY WAGE INDEX

Let’s talk wages in Mississippi

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$7.25

What is the minimum wage in Mississippi?

The minimum wage in Mississippi is $7.25 per hour. This is the same as the federal minimum wage and there are no state or local minimum wages that are higher than the federal minimum wage.

The Mississippi minimum wage has not been increased since 2009. This means that the minimum wage has lost purchasing power over time. In 2009, the minimum wage could buy about 10% more goods and services than it can today.

The low minimum wage in Mississippi has a number of negative consequences. It makes it difficult for low-wage workers to make ends meet. It also contributes to poverty and inequality. Naturally, there have been calls to increase the minimum wage in Mississippi. However, there is some opposition to increasing the minimum wage. Some businesses argue that increasing the minimum wage would lead to job losses.

The debate over the minimum wage is likely to continue in Mississippi. However, the fact remains that the current minimum wage is not enough to support a family on its own. If the minimum wage is not increased, more and more families will struggle to make ends meet.

Here are some additional facts about the minimum wage in Mississippi:

  • The minimum wage was first established in Mississippi in 1967.
  • The minimum wage has been increased 13 times since it was first established.
  • The minimum wage is not indexed to inflation, so it does not automatically increase each year with the cost of living.
  • There are a number of exemptions to the minimum wage law, including tipped workers, student workers, and workers with disabilities.

The minimum wage is an important issue for many people in Mississippi. It is a matter of fairness, economic security, and quality of life. The debate over the minimum wage is likely to continue for many years to come, but it is an issue that deserves our attention.

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$22.87

What is the average wage in Mississippi?

The average wage in Mississippi is $22.87 per hour. This wage is calculated by taking the median hourly wage of all workers in the state.

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$29.17

What is the living wage in Mississippi?

Wages aren’t everything!

While pay is one of the main factors that hourly employees consider when choosing to join (or stay at) a company, it’s not the end all be all. Research shows that advancement opportunities, supportive management, and schedule flexibility are all incredibly important as well.

Want to learn more about this trend? We dive deep into the data behind which perks and benefits matter most to hourly workers. Check out our full conversation with expert Sara Wasserteil of Cara Collective.

A guide to hourly labor laws in Mississippi

Verified by Legal Counsel Brooke Davis

  • Standard Minimum Wage: No state minimum wage. Adheres to the federal minimum wage of $7.25 under the Fair Labor Standards Act (29 US Code § 206).
  • Tipped Minimum Wage: $2.13, totaling at least $7.25 after tips (29 US Code § 203) (DoL Table).
  • Overtime: Hours exceeding 40 in a fixed week are overtime, paid at 1.5 times the regular rate (29 US Code § 207) (DoL).
  • Meal Breaks: No state or federal law requiring meal breaks. Federal law allows unpaid, non-working, bona-fide meal breaks over 30 minutes; exceptions may apply (29 C.F.R. § 785.19) (DoL).
  • Rest Breaks: No state or federal law requires rest breaks. Breaks lasting 5–20 minutes must be paid (29 C.F.R. § 785.18). 
  • Wage Deductions: Only those required by law, such as taxes, and those authorized in writing. Third-party deductions benefitting the employer may not reduce wages below the applicable minimum (29 C.F.R. § 4.168) (29 US Code § 203).

 

  • Final Paychecks: Paid by the next scheduled payday after resignation or termination (DoL). 
  • Wage Payment Frequency: Wages should be paid consistently, according to employment terms (DoL).
  • Paid Sick Leave: No state/federal law. Policies are determined by the employer or through collective bargaining agreements (DoL).
  • Paid Family and Medical Leave: No paid leave laws. Up to 12 unpaid weeks in one year for eligible employees (FMLA).
  • Maximum Daily and Weekly Hours for Children Under 16:
    • School session: No working during school hours; up to three hours per day and 18 hours per week.
    • Non-school session: Up to eight hours per day and 40 hours per week.
    • Working hours: Only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., extended until 9 p.m. June 1 through Labor Day (29 C.F.R. § 570.35).
  • Maximum Daily and Weekly Hours for Children 16 and 17: No state/federal law restricting work hours beyond required school hours for non-hazardous occupations. (DoL) (29 C.F.R. § 570.35).

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between gross wages and net wages?

It's important to remember that the Hourly Wage Index data above reflects gross wages, or the amount of money an employee earns before accounting for payroll deductions like taxes, benefits, or wage garnishments. Due to variability in tax rates across locations, slightly lower gross wages in a certain location might result in higher take home pay, or vice versa.

What is a good hourly wage?

This question is a difficult one to answer, as a "good hourly wage" is highly subjective according to experience, work responsibilities, cost of living, and other factors. We recommend using Hourly Wage Index data as a starting point. Once you have established a baseline for certain positions, do further research into similar businesses in your area.

Lastly, consider surveying your employees. They're the best resource to help you know what is a good hourly wage, what competitive pay looks like in your location, and how competitive wages change in your industry over time.

Offering competitive pay is one of my top priorities—what other resources do you have that might help?

We know that getting applicants to pay attention to your business can be extremely challenging, and that offering competitive pay is a huge part of that. Wages aren’t everything, however! Applicant experience is another important factor that can help set you apart from your competition. A few examples include:

  • Short, easy to understand job descriptions
  • Mobile-friendliness
  • Quick communication
  • Streamlined interview stages
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