Licensing Guides
Mississippi Septic License: How to Become a Septic Contractor in Mississippi
Septic, MS
October 1st, 2026
Table of Contents
What Is the Mean Wage for a Septic Professional in Mississippi?
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Septic License in Mississippi?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Septic License in Mississippi?
How Can I Prepare for the Septic License Exam in Mississippi?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Septic Work in Mississippi?
Septic License Requirements in Mississippi
We all need safe, reliable sewage management for our homes and businesses. Those homeowners and businesses that rely on septic tanks, also known as on-site sewage disposal systems, depend on people who know how to install and maintain those systems while protecting water quality.
The American Society of Civil Engineers’ Infrastructure Report Card for Missisissippi shows approximately 40% of Mississippi residents (nearly 400,000 households) rely on onsite wastewater treatment, such as septic systems.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are 30,650 septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners nationwide, and Mississippi employs 230 of them. The projected growth rate nationally is expected to be 8% from 2024 to 2034, adding about 2,900 annual job openings for these skilled workers. In the state of Mississippi, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is 10% for septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners.
If you’re thinking about starting a septic business or working in this field, you need to know the licensure requirements in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need before you get started in Mississippi.
Certification is not optional. Under the Mississippi Individual On-Site Wastewater Disposal System Law (Miss. Code Ann. § 41-67-28), working as an installer or pumper without MSDH certification can bring a monetary penalty of up to $10,000 per violation, so confirm you hold the right certification before you take on work.
Types of Septic Licenses in Mississippi
The types of septic professional certifications in Mississippi are:
Certified Evaluator: Required to design and construct individual on-site wastewater
disposal systems.
Certified Installer: Required to install individual on-site wastewater disposal systems.
Certified Pumper: Required to pump and clean individual on-site wastewater
disposal systems, lift stations, holding tanks, portable toilets, and grease traps.
Certified Manufacturer: Required to register an individual on-site wastewater disposal or wastewater treatment system product or alternative treatment or disposal component in the State of Mississippi.
Steps to Get a Septic License in Mississippi
Follow these steps to obtain an Evaluator certification:
Complete and return application.
Pay a $162.50 fee for study materials and examination seating.
Pass the exam.
Submit a valid Errors and Omissions Policy.
Pay a $780 certification fee.
Follow these steps to obtain an Installer certification:
Complete and return application with $162.50 fee.
Pass exam.
Submit a valid general business liability insurance policy with coverage of $50,000 per occurrence and at least $100,000 in total aggregate amount.
Pay a $150 certification fee.
Follow these steps to obtain a Pumper certification:
Complete and return application with $162.50 fee.
Pass exam.
Submit a valid general business liability insurance policy.
Pass a vehicle inspection.
Obtain a letter of disposal from a Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality-permitted facility
Pay a $150 certification fee.
For Certified Manufacturers, there’s an application and $250 fee.
Benefits of Getting a Septic License in Mississippi
Earning an MSDH certification does more than keep you compliant. It opens the door to steady work in a field where demand keeps climbing. Key benefits include:
It's required by law to install, pump, or evaluate on-site wastewater systems for others in Mississippi.
Proof of skill and competency that customers and property owners can verify before they hire you.
The ability to operate and advertise a septic business, sign installation affidavits, and have your work approved by MSDH.
Higher earning potential as you add certifications and move from installer to evaluator work.
Protection for your customers and your business, since certified work carries required insurance coverage.
What Is the Mean Wage for a Septic Professional in Mississippi?
Nationally, septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners earn a mean annual wage of $53,500, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In Mississippi, the median annual wage is $42,380, with the lowest 10% of workers earning about $26,530 and the top 10% earning about $60,670.
The mean is the mathematical average of all wages, while the median is the midpoint where half of workers earn more and half earn less. The median is often the more realistic figure for a typical worker, because a small number of high earners can pull the mean upward.
Your pay depends on your experience, the certifications you hold, the region of the state you work in, and whether you own the business. Evaluators and business owners who take on design and inspection work generally earn more than entry-level installers or pumpers.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of a septic installation technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan cloud-based, all-in-one septic business software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive the average ticket.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Septic License in Mississippi?
The cost varies depending on the certification type:
Evaluator: $162.50 exam fee and $780 certification fee
Installer: $162.50 exam fee and $150 certification fee
Pumper: $162.50 exam fee and $150 certification fee
Manufacturer: $250
How to Get a Septic License in Mississippi
Mississippi keeps the path to certification straightforward, since there are no formal education or apprenticeship requirements. Here's how the process comes together:
Choose the certification that matches your work: Evaluator, Installer, Pumper, or Manufacturer.
Submit the MSDH application for that certification along with the required fee. Applications are available from the MSDH On-Site Wastewater Program.
Study the state regulations and pass the certification exam.
Meet the certification-specific prerequisites: Installers and Pumpers submit proof of general business liability insurance, Evaluators submit an Errors and Omissions policy, and Pumpers also pass a vehicle inspection and provide a disposal letter from an MDEQ-permitted facility.
Pay the certification fee to receive your credential, then keep it active through annual renewal.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Septic License in Mississippi?
With no formal experience or education requirements, the process to obtain a septic certification can be relatively quick. You will need to give yourself time to study for the exam.
Mississippi Septic Training Programs and Schools
While the Mississippi State Department of Health previously hosted training courses for certification and renewal, these are on an indefinite pause. However, the Mississippi Rural Water Association hosts a number of training events throughout the year.
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Mississippi Septic Licensing Exam Details
Applicants must sit for an exam for Installer, Evaluator, and Pumper certifications. The exam is open book and requires a $162.50 fee. The exam covers Mississippi Code, sewer systems, drain fields, and more.
How Can I Prepare for the Septic License Exam in Mississippi?
The Mississippi State Department of Health administers the certification exam, which tests your knowledge and comprehension of the state's Individual On-Site Wastewater Disposal System regulations. To prepare:
Study the MSDH regulations and the study materials included with your application fee, since the exam draws directly from Mississippi Code and MSDH rules on septic tanks, drain fields, and disposal.
Complete the MSDH certification training program, which is designed to confirm your competency to install, pump, or evaluate systems.
Review real-world scenarios for soil types, setbacks, and system design. Certified Professional Evaluators are held to strict site-evaluation scoring standards to keep their certification, so it pays to know the standards well.
Who Issues Septic Licenses in Mississippi?
While Mississippi offers no state-level licensure for septic operators, the Mississippi State Department of Health On-Site Wastewater Program issues required certifications for septic professionals to work in the state. The MSDH On-Site Wastewater Program aims to reduce the spread of disease through improper waste disposal and treatment, which can contaminate groundwater and surface water, causing both an environmental and public health concern.
Does My Mississippi Septic License Work in Any Other State?
No. MSDH certifications are not transferable, and Mississippi's regulations state that certificates issued under the program cannot be transferred to another person or jurisdiction. If you want to work in another state, you'll need to meet that state's own certification or licensing requirements and apply directly to its governing agency.
Does Mississippi Reciprocate Septic Licenses?
No, Mississippi does not have reciprocity agreements with other states for its septic certifications.
National Septic Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The National Association of Wastewater Technicians and the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association offer certifications. Those and other professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Septic-Specific Requirements in Mississippi
Beyond passing the exam, each MSDH certification carries its own requirements:
Soil and site evaluation: Before a system can be permitted, a Certified Professional Evaluator or MSDH environmentalist must complete a soil and site evaluation that produces the permit or recommendation needed to obtain a water meter, as outlined in the Mississippi On-Site Wastewater Disposal System Law (Miss. Code Ann. § 41-67-7).
Insurance: Certified Installers and Pumpers must carry general business liability coverage, and Certified Evaluators must carry a valid Errors and Omissions policy. The coverage minimums are listed in the certification steps above.
Vehicle inspection: Pumpers must pass an annual inspection of each pump truck.
MDEQ disposal: Pumpers must dispose of septage only at a facility permitted by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and keep disposal records.
Other Requirements Unique to Mississippi
No gray water exemption: Mississippi does not recognize gray water. Anything treated as gray water in other states is classified as wastewater here and must be routed to a sewer or an approved septic system.
Water meter tie-in: State law requires a permanent sewage disposal solution, such as an approved septic system, before a property can receive a permanent water meter.
Registered products only: Installers must use septic tanks, advanced treatment units, and components that are registered with MSDH.
Are There Septic Scholarships in Mississippi?
Mississippi does not offer a septic-specific state scholarship, and MSDH certification fees are modest compared with four-year degree programs. Still, you can offset training and certification costs a few ways:
Look into workforce training funds and grants through the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, which supports skilled-trade training statewide.
Ask trade groups such as the Mississippi Rural Water Association about sponsored training events and member education.
Many employers cover certification and continuing-education costs for installers and pumpers as part of on-the-job training.
How Can Someone Verify My Septic License in Mississippi?
Property owners and agencies can confirm your certification directly through MSDH:
Search the MSDH Certified Installer/Pumper database by name to confirm an active certification.
Contact the MSDH On-Site Wastewater Program to confirm a professional's certification standing or request an official verification.
When Can a Septic License Get Suspended in Mississippi?
MSDH may suspend or revoke a certification after due notice for failing to comply with state law or MSDH regulations. Common grounds include:
Installing or repairing a system that does not meet MSDH minimum requirements.
Submitting false information to a property owner or the Department, or falsifying inspection reports.
Violating the Mississippi On-Site Wastewater Disposal System Law or encouraging property owners to do so.
Letting a certification lapse without renewal.
This information is for general guidance only and is not legal advice. Contact MSDH for the rules that apply to your situation.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Septic Work in Mississippi?
Performing septic work without the proper MSDH certification is illegal in Mississippi. Under state regulations and the Mississippi On-Site Wastewater Disposal System Law (Miss. Code Ann. § 41-67-28), a person who works as an installer or pumper without certification can face a monetary penalty of up to $10,000 for each violation after notice and a hearing. Property owners whose systems fall out of compliance can also face daily civil penalties, and MSDH can pursue additional enforcement to protect public health and water quality.
This information is for general guidance only and is not legal advice. Contact MSDH for the rules that apply to your situation.
Continuing Education
The Mississippi State Department of Health no longer requires continuing education units (CEUs) or professional development hours (PDHs) for septic certification renewal.
Certifications must still be renewed annually. Evaluators pay a $650 renewal fee, Pumpers and Installers pay a $150 renewal fee, and Manufacturers pay a $100 renewal fee.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all septic industry news several ways:
Check top septic blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your septic business.
Listen to top septic podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
The states have licensing requirements for other trades, too. You can find out more about how to get an HVAC, plumbing, or electrical, or general contractor license from the Mississippi State Board of Contractors, or in any of the other 49 states and the District of Columbia, through the ServiceTitan Licensing Hub.
