Lawyers in Mississippi. BLS OES + DOL OFLC + reader-reported submissions. How this is built →
What the numbers say
Mississippi lawyers earned a median of $92,610 in 2024. That sits 38% below the national median of $149,496, one of the larger state-level gaps we see for this occupation across the country.
The average wage tells a different story: $112,690, which is $20,000 above the median. A smaller group of higher-earning attorneys pulls that figure up. The spread from the 10th to the 90th percentile runs from $44,540 to $199,760, roughly 4.5 times from bottom to top. That range reflects how much practice area, firm size, and years of experience vary within a single state's legal market.
Cost of living narrows the gap somewhat. Mississippi's price index sits at 87.6, meaning everyday expenses run about 12% below the national baseline. Adjusted for that, the $92,610 median translates to closer to $105,700 in national-baseline dollars. The nominal gap shrinks, but Mississippi still comes in well below the adjusted US figure.
BLS projects average growth for lawyers nationally through 2034, at 4.2% over the decade. Mississippi's 3,200 employed lawyers put it among the smaller state markets by headcount, which can limit the range of available positions but also means the field is less crowded at the entry level.
Salary distribution
Where Mississippi lawyers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $63,650 and $130,170, with a median of $91,690.
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Lawyers pay by experience level in Mississippi
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Mississippi over the past 3 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2025 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Doctoral or professional degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.9 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 4.7 / 5
Law and Government
Knowledge
- 4.6 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
- 4.6 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
- 4.5 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
- 4.5 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.5 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Analyze the probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents.
- 02
Advise clients concerning business transactions, claim liability, advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits, or legal rights and obligations.
- 03
Select jurors, argue motions, meet with judges, and question witnesses during the course of a trial.
- 04
Interpret laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses.
- 05
Present evidence to defend clients or prosecute defendants in criminal or civil litigation.
- 06
Represent clients in court or before government agencies.
- 07
Work in environmental law, representing public interest groups, waste disposal companies, or construction firms in their dealings with state and federal agencies.
- 08
Present and summarize cases to judges and juries.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+4.2%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Average growth
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Lawyers in Mississippi?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Lawyers in Mississippi is $91,690.
- How does Mississippi compare to the national median for Lawyers?
- The Mississippi median is -42.5% versus the BLS national figure of $159,328.
- What is the salary range for Lawyers in Mississippi?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $47,670 and the 90th-percentile at $176,750, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Lawyers a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 4.2% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Lawyers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Doctoral or professional degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.