Mississippi consistently ranks among the states with the lowest median salaries in the country. This troubling fact isn’t just an economic data point; it reflects a systemic issue that extends far beyond wages. For those in Mississippi’s prisons, the concept of a “median salary” is non-existent—there is no salary at all. And for individuals returning home after incarceration, the prospects of earning even a fraction of the state’s median income are dismal at best.
This dual reality—of low wages for the general population and no wages for those behind bars—casts a harsh light on how Mississippi has historically undervalued its people. It’s time for the state to address not only its rank in median salaries but also the lack of humanity afforded to incarcerated individuals who are paying their debts to society yet are denied the dignity of earning an income to support themselves and their families. To close the wealth gap in Mississippi, we must include the most forgotten population: those in prison. Their inclusion is not just a matter of morality, but an economic necessity to prevent further erosion of the state’s median salaries.
Incarcerated individuals in Mississippi often perform labor—from manufacturing to agricultural work—without fair compensation. While some states offer nominal wages for prison labor, Mississippi’s policies often mean no pay at all. These individuals are expected to work while enduring deplorable conditions, yet they have no financial means to contribute to their families or prepare for life post-incarceration. Their labor is extracted without regard for their humanity, leaving them without a pathway to self-sufficiency upon release.
This approach not only dehumanizes incarcerated people but also perpetuates cycles of poverty for their families. Many of these families are already struggling to make ends meet in a state where the median household income barely exceeds $50,000. The lack of financial contribution from an incarcerated parent, partner or child pushes these households further into economic despair.
Employment Barriers for the Formally Incarcerated
For those who manage to re-enter society after serving time, the barriers to employment are monumental. Even when they have the skills and determination to work, the stigma of a criminal record often disqualifies them from jobs. Mississippi’s low median salary means that even those who do find work are likely to remain in poverty. For formerly incarcerated individuals, that reality is compounded by a lack of access to resources, training and opportunities to rebuild their lives.
Employers in Mississippi are not lining up to hire individuals with criminal records. Without broader legislative and systemic support, some progressive programs and organizations are limited in closing this gap. Mississippi’s economy simply does not offer enough living-wage jobs, much less opportunities tailored to reintegrating those who have been marginalized by incarceration.
The wealth gap in Mississippi will continue to widen unless the state confronts the exclusion of incarcerated individuals from the economy. By neglecting this population, Mississippi allows the ill effects of its low median salaries to seep further into every aspect of its economy and society. The labor performed by those in prison generates economic value, yet these workers receive no compensation that could help their families or prepare them for reintegration. This systemic oversight exacerbates poverty, not just for individuals but for entire communities.
Fair Wages Mandate
Mississippi’s lawmakers must take bold steps to address these interlocking crises. First, the state should mandate fair wages for incarcerated individuals. Paying incarcerated people for their labor would allow them to contribute to their families, save for their release and gain financial literacy. This policy change would also send a powerful message that even those who have made mistakes are entitled to basic dignity and the ability to provide for themselves.
Second, Mississippi must invest in robust reentry programs that connect formerly incarcerated individuals to job training, education and employment opportunities. Tax incentives for businesses that hire people with criminal records could help create a more welcoming job market. Expunging non-violent offenses could remove a significant barrier to employment for those who have served their time.
Finally, Mississippi must look at the larger economic picture. The state’s low median salary is not just a statistic—it’s a reflection of inadequate investment in education, infrastructure and workforce development. Raising wages across the board and creating a fairer economy would benefit all Mississippians, including those transitioning out of the criminal legal system.
Mississippi’s low median salary and its failure to support incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals are two sides of the same coin. Both point to a systemic devaluation of human potential and a lack of commitment to equity. If Mississippi wants to break free from the cycles of poverty and incarceration that have long plagued it, the state must adopt policies that uplift all its residents—including those who are paying their debts to society.
By ensuring that incarcerated individuals are compensated for their labor and that formerly incarcerated individuals have pathways to economic stability, Mississippi can begin to rewrite its story. It can become a state where every person, regardless of their past, has a fair chance to build a future.
This MFP Voices essay does not necessarily represent the views of the Mississippi Free Press, its staff or board members. To submit an opinion for the MFP Voices section, send up to 1,200 words and sources fact-checking the included information to voices@mississippifreepress.org. We welcome a wide variety of viewpoints.
