Quick answer: The median general contractor in Mississippi earns $47.85/hr — about $99,520 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025), and the most experienced earn $162,000+. To hire one, a general contractor typically bills $105–$145 per hour — roughly 2–3× the worker's wage, to cover overhead and profit.
Here's the full picture: what general contractors earn, what shops bill, what common jobs cost, how pay varies by metro, and how Mississippi compares to other states.
General contractor income in Mississippi (2025)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for Mississippi's ~1,640 construction managers:
| Experience level | Hourly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $30.58 | ~$5,301 | ~$63,606 |
| Median (typical) | $47.85 | ~$8,293 | $99,520 |
| Experienced (90th percentile) | $77.68 | ~$13,465 | ~$161,574 |
Monthly and annual figures assume full-time work (about 2,080 hours a year).
What you earn vs. what you charge
The wages above are what a general contractor takes home. What a general contractor bills the customer is higher — it has to cover the truck, tools, insurance, licensing, fuel, office time, and profit. A shop typically bills 2.2–3× the worker's wage:
| Rate | |
|---|---|
| Median general contractor wage (earned) | ~$48/hr |
| Typical shop rate (charged) | $105–$145/hr |
Where Mississippi ranks
Mississippi pays general contractors 13% below the national median, ranking 45th of 51 states — among the lowest-paying states in the country:
| Benchmark | Median hourly wage |
|---|---|
| Highest — New York | $74.69 |
| Mississippi (45th) | $47.85 |
| National median | $55.28 |
| Lowest — Arkansas | $41.50 |
General contractor rates by Mississippi metro
Pay varies widely within the state. Median general contractor wage by metro area (BLS, 2025):
| Metro area | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Hattiesburg | $49.97/hr | $110–$150/hr |
| Gulfport-Biloxi | $49.49/hr | $110–$150/hr |
| West Delta Mississippi nonmetropolitan area | $48.72/hr | $105–$145/hr |
| Jackson | $48.51/hr | $105–$145/hr |
| Upper East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area | $47.56/hr | $105–$145/hr |
| Lower East Mississippi nonmetropolitan area | $45.22/hr | $100–$135/hr |
| Lower West Mississippi nonmetropolitan area | $43.91/hr | $95–$130/hr |
What common contracting jobs cost in Mississippi
At Mississippi billed rates, here's what typical jobs run — labor plus materials, and every job differs:
| Job | Typical Mississippi range |
|---|---|
| Bathroom remodel | $7,000–$21,500 |
| Kitchen remodel | $13,000–$43,500 |
| Room addition | $21,500–$78,000 |
| Basement finishing | $17,500–$52,000 |
| Whole-home renovation | $43,500–$173,000 |
| Deck / porch build | $3,500–$13,000 |
| Detached garage build | $17,500–$43,500 |
| ADU / in-law unit | $52,000–$173,000 |
| Structural repair | $4,500–$26,000 |
| Exterior siding replacement | $7,000–$21,500 |
Typical ranges to benchmark against — not quotes.
How general contractors compare to other trades in Mississippi
Here's how general contractor pay lines up against Mississippi's other skilled trades:
| Trade | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| General contractor | $47.85/hr | $105–$145/hr |
| Electrician | $29.26/hr | $65–$90/hr |
| Plumber | $26.67/hr | $60–$80/hr |
| HVAC technician | $23.41/hr | $50–$70/hr |
| Carpenter | $23.39/hr | $50–$70/hr |
Setting your own rate
Use these as benchmarks, not rules — your rate has to cover your real overhead and the profit margin you need. See how to price a job to run the math, then build a quote with the free general contractor estimate generator, or download BIG INVOICE to invoice from your phone with your rates saved.
Do general contractors need a license in Mississippi?
Licensing requirements depend on the trade and where you work. See Mississippi contractor & trade licensing to check whether general contractors need a state license in Mississippi, which board issues it, and how to apply.
Frequently asked questions
How much do general contractors make in Mississippi?
The median general contractor in Mississippi earns about $99,520 a year ($47.85/hr) per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Entry-level general contractors earn around $64,000 and the most experienced earn $162,000 or more.
Can a general contractor make $100,000 a year in Mississippi?
Yes — experienced general contractors in Mississippi can. The top 10% earn about $162,000 a year, above $100,000. Running your own general contractor and billing $105–$145/hr can push earnings higher still.
How much do general contractors charge per hour in Mississippi?
In 2025, most Mississippi general contractors bill $105–$145 per hour. That billed rate covers the worker's wage (a $48/hr median) plus overhead and profit — it is not take-home pay.
Do general contractors earn more in Mississippi than nationally?
Mississippi's median general contractor wage is about 13% below the national median of $55.28/hr, ranking 45th of 51 states.
Which Mississippi city pays general contractors the most?
Hattiesburg, at a $49.97/hr median wage, is among the highest-paying metros in the state for general contractors.
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. Billed rates and job-cost ranges are illustrative estimates (median wage × 2.2–3.0 overhead-and-profit markup), not quotes. Updated August 2026.