Document Genius

Mississippi Employment Contract Template

Set clear expectations for pay, duties, and workplace policies with a Mississippi employment contract. Our template helps you protect your business and your employees.

4.8
1,109 Ratings
  • Duration 2 min
  • Download as PDF and Word
  • E-sign included

Written by Josh Sainsbury | Attorney-Reviewed by Harvey Barbee, J.D.

How It works?

1

Answer a Few Questions

Enter key details like job title, pay, and start date to begin your Mississippi contract.

2

Customize Your Contract

Our builder formats the agreement so it’s clear and professional.

3

Download and Finalize

Save as PDF or Word, then review and sign with your employee.

Table of Contents

  1. What Is a Mississippi Employment Contract?
  2. Key Mississippi Hiring Rules That Affect Your Contract
  3. How to Write a Mississippi Employment Contract

What Is a Mississippi Employment Contract?

A Mississippi employment contract is a written agreement between an employer and employee. It outlines job duties, wages, benefits, and termination rules. Unless stated otherwise, employment is at-will, meaning either party can end the relationship at any time.

Key Mississippi Hiring Rules That Affect Your Contract

  • At-will employment: Employment is at-will unless a contract or law provides otherwise. Exceptions apply for discrimination, retaliation, or public policy violations.
  • Minimum wage: Mississippi has no state minimum; employers must follow the federal rate of $7.25/hr.
  • Overtime: Non-exempt employees must be paid 1.5× their regular rate for hours worked over 40 per week under the FLSA.
  • Meal/rest breaks: No state law requires breaks. Federal law requires breaks under 20 minutes to be paid; meal breaks of 30+ minutes may be unpaid if duties are fully relieved.
  • Paid leave: No state requirement for paid sick leave or vacation; policies are up to the employer.
  • Pay frequency: Mississippi does not mandate pay schedules; employers should set them in contracts or policies. Exceptions apply to any business engaged in manufacturing with 50 or more employees.
  • Final pay: No specific deadline, but best practice is by the next regular payday.
  • Child labor: Federal FLSA rules apply. Minors under 16 face hour restrictions; hazardous jobs are off-limits under 18.
  • Non-competes: Enforceable if reasonable in scope, duration, and geography, and supported by legitimate business interests.
  • E-signatures: Valid under Mississippi’s adoption of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) (Mississippi Code § 75-12-13)
  • Recordkeeping: Employers must follow federal rules; payroll and employment records generally retained for at least 3 years.

How to Write a Mississippi Employment Contract

Follow these steps to create a clear, enforceable contract:

  1. Add basic information: List employer and employee names, job title, and start date.
  2. Define job role: Include duties, supervisor, and work location to avoid disputes.
  3. Set pay and schedule: State the wage or salary, pay frequency, and confirm overtime rules under the FLSA.
  4. Include benefits: Note vacation, sick time, or other perks (since none are required by law, spell out what you offer).
  5. Outline breaks: Clarify any meal or rest periods your business provides, even if not required.
  6. Add confidentiality and IP terms: Protect business information and ownership of work products.
  7. Restrictive covenants: If needed, include reasonable non-compete or non-solicit terms.
  8. Termination terms: Confirm at-will status, and outline any notice or severance policies.
  9. Governing law and signatures: State that Mississippi law applies and allow e-signatures under UETA.