When you’re hunting for a job, especially in administrative or office support roles in Jackson, Mississippi – it’s essential to understand not just what you want, but what the market will pay. With insights from the MS Dept. of Employment Security’s Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (OEWS), here’s what candidates need to know to align expectations with reality.
1. Understand How Local Wage Data Is Structured
Mississippi’s OEWS report, updated April 2025, offers valuable insights into the state’s wage landscape. For each occupation, three wage categories are reported:
- Entry-level: The average wage for the bottom third of earners
- Mean (Average): The overall average for that occupation
- Experienced: The average for workers with significant experience
For the Jackson Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), the mean wage for all occupations is $25.86/hour (around $53,790/year). Entry-level wages average $12.50/hour ($26,010/year), while experienced workers earn closer to $32.44/hour ($67,480/year. This baseline gives job seekers an idea of what to expect when entering or advancing in the Jackson job market.
Understanding where you fall on that scale is the first step to setting realistic expectations. Are you brand new to the field? Are you bringing five or more years of experience? Those factors directly influence your earning potential.
2. What That Means for Administrative & Office Support Roles
Roles in administrative, accounting support, and management remain in high demand across Jackson’s industries, including healthcare, legal, nonprofit, and finance. According to the OEWS report:
- Entry-level administrative assistants in Jackson typically start around $12.50 to $14.50/hour
- Experienced administrative professionals can earn $18 to $24/hour, depending on the complexity of their duties
- Office managers and executive support roles may reach $25 to $30/hour, particularly within specialized industries
It’s important to note that while national averages often appear more generous, Mississippi’s cost of living is considerably lower than many other states, meaning your earnings stretch further here.
3. Factors That Influence Salary in Jackson
There’s no one-size-fits-all salary in staffing. Wages for similar roles can vary dramatically based on:
• Experience & Tenure
Years in the field can increase your earning potential, particularly if you can demonstrate consistent performance and responsibility growth. Expertise in a particular industry develops overtime, and time is one of the most valuable factors in determining salary for a client.
• Skillset & Software Proficiency
Experience with systems like QuickBooks, SharePoint, Microsoft Excel, or EMRs (Electronic Medical Records) can help push your pay rate upward. Does your industry require a specific type of software? Staffers also encourages our candidates to continue their educated and keep those skills updated.
• Industry Differences
Healthcare and finance firms often offer more competitive salaries than nonprofits or smaller organizations. This can be due to a variety of factories such as if a position requires a higher level degree or professional certification.
• Market Demand
Temporary surges in demand, such as tax season or large organizational expansions, can increase pay rates for support roles.
• Company Size & Budget
Larger organizations tend to offer higher wages and benefits packages compared to smaller local businesses.
4. Salary Expectations vs. Market Reality: Common Misconceptions
| Candidate Expectation | Market Reality |
|---|---|
| “I deserve $20/hr right out of school.” | Entry-level rates often start at $12.50-$14.50/hr. |
| “All admin jobs in Jackson pay $25/hr or more.” | Most admin roles fall between $15-$22/hr unless highly skilled. |
| “If I have a college degree, I’ll automatically earn more.” | Degrees help, but relevant experience and tech skills matter more. |
| “Recruiters lowball candidates.” | Agencies work to match market pay and negotiate when possible. The market determines the pay, not the staffing agencies. |
This mismatch often leads to frustration. At Staffers, we help bridge the gap by explaining current wage trends and offering guidance on negotiating confidently and realistically.
5. How to Balance Your Salary Expectations
- Do Your Research
Use state data like the OEWS report and compare it to similar roles listed on job boards or through staffing agencies. If you’re working with Staffers, ask us for a ballpark range based on your skills. We will be honest and open with you about what to expect in the Jackson/Madison/Flowood area markets. - Be Transparent About Your Needs
Let your recruiter know your minimum salary needs, but stay flexible. Sometimes a slightly lower rate comes with benefits like growth opportunities or hybrid schedules. - Highlight Specialized Skills
If you have experience with CRM systems, accounting software, HR processes, or bilingual abilities, bring them up early. These can justify a higher starting wage. Your technical skills and experience in some industries make a strong selling point. - Understand Temporary vs. Permanent Pay
Temp roles may offer slightly less initially but come with quicker hiring decisions and the chance to move into a higher-paid permanent position. - Keep the Big Picture in Mind
If a job pays a bit less but offers mentorship, resume-building projects, or valuable experience, it might be the right move long-term.
6. Wage Snapshots from the 2024 OEWS Report
Here are a few local examples from the Jackson area, according to the Mississippi Department of Employment Security:
- Receptionists: Entry wage ~$12.25/hr, experienced ~$18.25/hr
- Administrative Assistants: Entry wage ~$13.75/hr, experienced ~$23.50/hr
- Customer Service Reps: Entry wage ~$12.00/hr, experienced ~$20.00/hr
- Office Clerks: Entry wage ~$12.10/hr, experienced ~$19.45/hr
- Executive Assistants: Entry wage ~$18.50/hr, experienced ~$30.25/hr
These numbers reflect strong opportunities for growth when paired with experience and the right attitude. 7. The Recruiter Advantage: Why Market Knowledge Matters
7. The Recruiter Advantage: Why Market Knowledge Matters
As recruiters, we have real-time access to what companies are offering and what they’re willing to offer for the right candidate. We also understand:
- Which industries are growing fastest
- Where talent shortages exist (which can drive up wages)
- How to coach candidates in negotiation
- How to pitch your experience in a way that stands out
At Staffers Inc., we’re not just placing people in jobs. We’re matching people with the right opportunities based on skill, fit, and career goals…and ensuring both sides walk away satisfied.
Aligning Confidence with Reality
Setting a salary expectation isn’t about selling yourself short – it’s about making informed decisions that reflect your value and the local economy. With the right approach and guidance, candidates in Mississippi can confidently navigate the job market and grow into roles that meet both financial and career goals.
Ready to Find the Right Job at the Right Salary?
Let the recruiters at Staffers Inc. guide your next move. We help job seekers across Jackson and Central Mississippi land administrative and office support roles that align with both expectations and reality.
📞 Call us at 601-362-1010
📧 Email: inbox@staffersinc.com
Check out OCCUPATIONAL EMPLOYMENT & WAGE ESTIMATES: https://mdes.ms.gov/media/458324/joews2024.pdf
