Jobs & Economic Growth
Mississippi reached a record 1,205,500 non-farm jobs in August 2025. The Gulf Coast is a major driver of this growth.
Growing Industries
Cybersecurity & Tech
The Mississippi Cyber and Technology Center at Keesler AFB is driving demand for 70+ cybersecurity jobs in the Biloxi area.
Healthcare
Memorial Health System expansion and growing demand for medical professionals across the coast.
Aerospace & Defense
Stennis Space Center and Ingalls Shipbuilding anchor a robust defense and aerospace corridor.
Skilled Trades
High demand for electricians, plumbers, pipe fitters, HVAC techs, and heavy equipment operators.
Construction
Major projects including a $105M mixed-use development in Gulfport and $316M facility in Pascagoula.
Blue Economy
Maritime industries, aquaculture, and coastal tourism creating diverse employment opportunities.
Major Employers
Ingalls Shipbuilding (HII)
Manufacturing / DefenseLargest manufacturing employer in Mississippi, building ships for the U.S. Navy in Pascagoula.
Keesler Air Force Base
MilitaryMajor USAF installation in Biloxi providing electronics and computer training. Thousands of additional civilian and contractor jobs.
NCBC Gulfport
MilitaryNaval Construction Battalion Center, home to the Atlantic Fleet Seabees.
NASA Stennis Space Center
AerospaceNASA's largest rocket propulsion test facility in Hancock County. Hosts NASA, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and other aerospace companies.
Memorial Health System
HealthcareLargest healthcare provider on the coast, operating Memorial Hospital Gulfport and Memorial Hospital Biloxi.
Singing River Health System
HealthcareMajor health system operating Ocean Springs Hospital and Singing River Gulfport.
Casino Resorts
Hospitality / GamingMultiple casino resorts including Beau Rivage, Hard Rock, Golden Nugget, IP Casino, and Scarlet Pearl employ thousands across the coast.