Civil Engineer Salary in Mississippi (2026)
Median Civil Engineer salary in Mississippi is approximately $74,800/year — about 16.0% below the national average.
Annual salary breakdown
After-tax estimate
| State | Estimated annual | vs Mississippi |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $76,500 | +$1,700 |
| West Virginia | $76,500 | +$1,700 |
| Alabama | $78,300 | +$3,500 |
| Kentucky | $78,300 | +$3,500 |
Civil Engineer salaries in Mississippi, explained
The estimated median Civil Engineer salary in Mississippi is $74,800/year, which is about 16.0% below the US national median of $89,000. That works out to roughly $36/hour at a standard 40-hour week, $1,438/week, $2,877/biweekly, or $6,233/month before taxes.
Mississippi ranks 51 of 51 US states (including DC) on a cost-of-living-adjusted compensation basis. The state multiplier of 0.84× reflects how typical wages adjust to local prices — higher in places like California, New York, and Massachusetts; lower in Mississippi, West Virginia, and Arkansas.
Mississippi spotlight: economy and Civil Engineer role context
Lowest cost of living in continental US; smallest state economy. Economically, agriculture and manufacturing dominate. From a cost-of-living standpoint, this is one of the lowest-cost states in the US, which directly informs how regional employers price Civil Engineer roles — higher COL areas adjust salaries upward to remain competitive in the labor market.
Lowest cost of living in continental US, with significant manufacturing sector employment. Notable area employers include Ingalls Shipbuilding, Sanderson Farms, which often pay above the state median for Civil Engineers working in the industry.
State income tax in this region tends to be moderate (typically 4–6% effective at this income), and combined with relatively low cost of living, real after-tax purchasing power often exceeds higher-paying coastal states. Pair this estimate with our paycheck calculator for exact figures.
What affects your actual salary
- Experience level: entry-level often 25–35% below median, senior roles 40–60%+ above.
- Metro area within Mississippi: major metros pay more than rural areas. Bay Area vs Central Valley California is a 30%+ swing.
- Employer size: large companies typically pay 10–20% more than small businesses for the same role.
- Industry: a Software Engineer at a tech company makes more than at a non-tech employer; a Marketing Manager at a top brand earns more than at a startup.
- Education and credentials: degrees and certifications can shift compensation by 15–30%.
- Negotiation: simply asking for more and negotiating can move offers 5–15%.
Take-home pay in Mississippi
Of the gross $74,800, you take home roughly $54,866 after federal income tax (~14% effective at this income level), FICA (7.65%), and Mississippi's state income tax (roughly 5% effective). That's about $4,572/month after-tax.
For a precise after-tax calculation including 401(k) contributions, HSA, filing status, and state-specific brackets, use our Mississippi Paycheck Calculator. For comparisons across cities, see the Paycheck Calculator with city-specific tax data.
Where this number comes from
Our estimate combines: (1) US national median for Civil Engineer based on Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, and (2) Mississippi's cost-of-living multiplier derived from BEA Regional Price Parities. The multiplier captures average wage adjustment to local prices — useful for budgeting and offer comparisons.
For more precise numbers specific to your role and metro: BLS OES (bls.gov/oes), Glassdoor, Levels.fyi (tech roles), salary.com, or LinkedIn Salary Insights. Cross-reference 2-3 sources before negotiation.
Related tools
Salary Calculator — convert hourly to annual. Mississippi Paycheck Calculator — exact take-home. Income Tax Calculator — federal tax with brackets. Mississippi Mortgage Calculator — what you can afford. Investment Calculator — long-term growth from this income.