Is Mississippi an at-will employment state?

Yes, Mississippi is an at-will employment state, meaning employers can generally terminate employees for any lawful reason. However, Mississippi recognizes exceptions for discrimination, retaliation, and public policy violations.

What is the EEOC filing deadline in Mississippi?

Mississippi is a non-deferral state, so the EEOC filing deadline is 180 days from the date of the alleged violation.

What is the minimum wage in Mississippi?

The minimum wage in Mississippi is $7.25 (federal, no state minimum).

What is the main employment discrimination law in Mississippi?

MS Emp. Protection Act (Miss. Code Ann. § 71-1-47) is Mississippi's primary employment protection law. It covers employers with 1+ employees and protects against discrimination based on military duty status.

Mississippi Employment Law

Mississippi has no general state employment discrimination statute. The weakest state for employment protections. Only protects military status. Private employees rely almost entirely on federal law. Non-deferral state.

At-Will

Yes

Right-to-Work

Yes

EEOC Deferral

180 days

Min. Wage

$7.25

Mississippi State Laws (4)

MS Emp. Protection Act

Miss. Code Ann. § 71-1-47

— days

1+ employees

Mississippi has the weakest state employment discrimination protections in the nation. The state has NO general employment discrimination statute. The Mississippi Employment Protection Act is extremely limited and only prohibits discrimination based on military duty status. Private-sector employees in Mississippi rely almost entirely on federal law for employment discrimination protections. Mississippi does not have a state Fair Employment Practices agency, making it a non-deferral state with a 180-day EEOC filing deadline.

Protected Classes

military duty status

Key Provisions

✓Prohibits discrimination against employees based on military duty status only
✓No general prohibition on discrimination based on race, sex, age, disability, or other protected classes at the state level
✓No state Fair Employment Practices agency exists to receive or investigate discrimination complaints
✓Non-deferral state: EEOC filing deadline is 180 days rather than 300 days
✓Employees must rely on federal statutes (Title VII, ADA, ADEA, etc.) for employment discrimination claims

Remedies

ReinstatementBack payLost benefits

File with: None (no state administrative agency)No state administrative filing; EEOC deadline is 180 days (non-deferral state)

MS Jury Service Employment

Miss. Code § 13-5-23

1095 days

1+ employees

Prohibits employers from terminating, intimidating, or otherwise penalizing an employee because of jury service.

Key Provisions

✓Prohibits employers from terminating, intimidating, or otherwise penalizing an employee because of jury service.

Remedies

reinstatementlost wagespunitive damagescriminal contempt

File with: Mississippi courts (private right of action)3 years

MS Right-to-Work

Miss. Code §§ 71-1-47, Miss. Const. art. III, § 198-A

1095 days

1+ employees

Prohibits requiring union membership or dues as a condition of employment; embedded both in statute and the state constitution. Provides employees the right to work without joining a union.

Protected Classes

union_activityconcerted_activity

Key Provisions

✓Prohibits requiring union membership or dues as a condition of employment; embedded both in statute and the state constitution. Provides employees the right to work without joining a union.

Remedies

injunctive reliefcompensatory damagesattorney fees

File with: Mississippi courts (private right of action)3 years

MS Public Employee Whistleblower

Miss. Code §§ 25-9-171 to 25-9-177

60 days

1+ employees

Prohibits state agencies from taking adverse action against public employees who report improper governmental action — defined as a violation of state or federal law, mismanagement, gross waste of funds, or substantial danger to public health or safety.

Protected Classes

fraud_reporting

Key Provisions

✓Prohibits state agencies from taking adverse action against public employees who report improper governmental action — defined as a violation of state or federal law, mismanagement, gross waste of funds, or substantial danger to public health or safety.

Remedies

reinstatementback paylost benefitsattorney fees

File with: Mississippi State Personnel Board60 days to file with the State Personnel Board

Federal Laws That Apply in Mississippi

These federal statutes protect workers nationwide, including in Mississippi. Mississippi is a non-deferral state — the EEOC filing deadline is 180 days.

Title VII15+ employees

Section 19811+ employees

WARN Act100+ employees

— days

Rehabilitation Act1+ employees

180 days

SOX Section 8061+ employees

180 days

INA Section 1324b4+ employees

180 days

Check which laws apply to your situation in Mississippi

Our free assessment identifies applicable federal, state, and local protections based on your specific circumstances.

Check My Rights

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.Mississippi laws are subject to legislative changes. Consult a qualified employment attorney in Mississippi for advice about your specific situation. Last reviewed: March 2026.