Mississippi is home to the fastest-growing Hispanic population in the United States. According to a 2019 report from Pew Research Center, the state’s Hispanic population grew by nearly 40% between 2009 and 2018. This growth is due in part to an influx of immigrants seeking employment opportunities.
For many Hispanics living in Mississippi, job prospects remain limited. In 2019, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that Hispanics had an unemployment rate of 8.2%, compared to 4.4% for non-Hispanics in the state. The same report found that Hispanic workers also earned lower wages than their non-Hispanic counterparts: $11.81 per hour on average, compared to $14.39 for non-Hispanics.
Despite these disparities, there are many job opportunities available to Hispanic workers in Mississippi. Many employers in the state seek bilingual individuals who can easily communicate with both Spanish and English speakers, opening up a variety of potential positions. Additionally, some local governments in Mississippi offer programs designed to help connect Hispanic residents with job opportunities.
Mississippi’s agricultural industry is another potential source of employment for Hispanic workers. The state has a particularly large farming sector, and many farmers need seasonal help to harvest their crops. While this type of work is often temporary or seasonal in nature, it can provide an important source of income for individuals seeking jobs in Mississippi.
