Mississippi teacher salary holds the unwanted distinction of ranking last among all 50 states year after year. Per the NEA Rankings of the States 2024 and Estimates of School Statistics 2025 (published April 17, 2025): ‘State average teacher salaries ranged from those in California ($101,084), New York ($95,615), and Massachusetts ($92,076) at the high end to Mississippi ($53,704), Florida ($54,875), and Missouri ($55,132) at the low end.’ Per the NEA’s 2026 rankings (May 2, 2026): Mississippi remained last with an average salary of $54,975 for 2024-25, as ‘the lowest salaries are in Mississippi ($54,975), Florida, and…’
These numbers are accurate and must be stated clearly: Mississippi pays its teachers less than any other state in the country. However, they tell only part of the financial story. Mississippi also has one of the lowest costs of living in the United States — approximately 83% of the national average by most measures — which means the purchasing power of a Mississippi teacher’s salary is meaningfully higher than the nominal comparison suggests.
Per theworlddata.com: ‘Nominal salaries do not tell the full story.’ Per wealthvieu.com (May 2026, citing BLS and NEA data): a teacher in New York earns twice as much as one in Mississippi in nominal terms, but the real cost-of-living-adjusted gap is substantially smaller.
The 2022 state teacher pay raise — signed by Governor Tate Reeves — was described by PBS NewsHour as ‘the largest teacher pay raise in years,’ raising the starting base salary from $37,000 to $41,500 and adding structured step increases with milestone bonuses at year 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25.
This raise acknowledged the state’s chronic undercompensation and marked a meaningful shift in policy direction. Subsequent legislative sessions have continued the upward trend, with tallo.com (June 2025) reporting a 2024 raise that ‘added $1,500 to all salary steps.’
With 2,593 unfilled positions in 2022-23 and a salary growth rate of just 1.61% per year over the past three years (per theworlddata.com — ‘dead last in the nation for wage improvement’), Mississippi faces a genuine retention and recruitment challenge that nominal salary data alone captures clearly.
This prepsaret guide provides the complete, authoritative picture — salary data from NEA, BLS, and state sources; the salary schedule structure; district supplements; cost-of-living context; pension; federal incentives; and strategies for maximizing lifetime earnings as a Mississippi teacher.
Mississippi Teacher Salary: Key Numbers at a Glance
| 50th
National Salary Rank Last in US — NEA 2023-24 and 2024-25 |
$53,704
Avg. Salary (2023-24) NEA 2025 Rankings (April 2025) |
$54,975
Avg. Salary (2024-25) NEA 2026 Rankings (May 2026) |
$41,500
Starting Salary (State Base) PBS NewsHour; 2022 pay raise law; bachelor’s degree |
| $71,400
Max Salary (BA+35 yrs+Ed.D.) tallo.com; state salary schedule top |
$5,000
Top District Supplement Gulfport; Madison County; tallo.com |
83%
Cost of Living (vs. US avg.) MS ~83% of national avg — low CoL offsets salary |
2,593
Unfilled Positions (2022-23) teachercertificationdegrees.com MS (March 2026) |
Sources: NEA Rankings 2025 (nea.org, April 17, 2025) — ‘$53,704; Mississippi lowest nationally’; NEA Rankings 2026 (nea.org, May 2, 2026) — ‘$54,975 Mississippi lowest’; NEA 2024-25 Benchmark (April 2026) — national avg $87,331 top; PBS NewsHour (pbs.org) — ‘$41,500 base after 2022 raise’; tallo.com (June 2025) — ‘$71,400 max; Gulfport $5,000 supplement; Madison County $5,000 supplement’; teachercertificationdegrees.com MS (March 2026) — 2,593 unfilled.
Average Teacher Salary: Multi-Year Trend and National Context
Multi-Year Average Salary
| School Year | MS Avg. Teacher Salary | National Average | MS National Rank | Year-over-Year Change MS | Source |
| 2019-20 | $46,843 | $64,133 | 50th (est.) | — | PBS NewsHour / SREB |
| 2023-24 | $53,704 | $72,030 | 50th | — | NEA Rankings 2025 (April 17, 2025) |
| 2024-25 | $54,975 | $74,495 (est.) | 50th | $1,271 (+2.4%) | NEA Rankings 2026 (May 2, 2026) |
| 2024-25 (projected) | $55,086 (alt. estimate) | — | 50th | — | theworlddata.com — NEA data |
Sources: PBS NewsHour (pbs.org) — 2019-20 $46,843 (SREB); NEA Rankings 2025 (nea.org, April 17, 2025) — 2023-24 $53,704; NEA Rankings 2026 (nea.org, May 2, 2026) — 2024-25 $54,975 lowest nationally; national avg $74,495; theworlddata.com — ‘$55,086 projected for 2024-25.’
Growth Rate Context
Per theworlddata.com (November 2025, citing NEA data): ‘Mississippi remains at the bottom with an average teacher salary of $55,086 projected for 2024-25, representing minimal growth from $53,704 in 2023-24.
The state’s annual salary growth rate of just 1.61% per year over the past three years places it dead last in the nation for wage improvement.’ This stagnation — despite the 2022 pay raise — reflects structural challenges in Mississippi’s school funding framework.
Per NEA Rankings 2025 (April 2025): the national average one-year change in public school teacher salaries from 2022-23 to 2023-24 was 3.8%. Mississippi’s year-over-year growth significantly lagged this national average, even with recent legislative action.
Per NEA Rankings 2026 (May 2026): the national average one-year change from 2023-24 to 2024-25 was 3.5%; the largest state increases were in Nevada (11.8%), DC (9.7%), and Delaware (7.6%).
Sources: NEA Rankings 2025 (April 2025) — ‘3.8% national one-year change’; NEA Rankings 2026 (May 2026) — ‘3.5% national; Nevada 11.8% largest’; theworlddata.com — ‘1.61% annual growth rate; dead last for wage improvement.’
Mississippi vs. All 50 States: Where MS Ranks
The following table provides a national context for Mississippi’s average teacher salary, showing select states from highest to lowest using the most current NEA data (2024-25):
| Rank | State | Avg. Teacher Salary (2024-25) | Notes |
| 1 | California | $103,552 | Only state above $100K avg; NEA 2026 |
| 2 | New York | $98,655 | NEA 2026 |
| 3 | Washington | $96,589 | NEA 2026 |
| 10th (est.) | Median state | ~$65,000 (est.) | Approx. midpoint nationally |
| National Average | United States | $74,495 | NEA Rankings 2026 (May 2026); 3.5% increase |
| 48th | Louisiana | $56,785 | NEA 2026 — low end |
| 49th | Florida | $56,663 | NEA 2026 — second lowest |
| 50th (Last) | Mississippi | $54,975 | NEA 2026 — lowest in nation; last nationally |
Sources: NEA Rankings 2026 / NEA Teacher Pay and Per Student Spending 2026 (nea.org, May 2, 2026) — all state rankings; ‘$54,975 Mississippi lowest’; California $103,552; NY $98,655; WA $96,589; national avg $74,495; Florida $56,663; Louisiana $56,785.
The gap between Mississippi and the national average is approximately $19,520 for 2024-25 ($74,495 national minus $54,975 Mississippi). The gap between Mississippi and the highest-paying state (California) is approximately $48,577 — nearly the full value of Mississippi’s average salary itself. Per wealthvieu.com (citing BLS and NEA, May 2026): ‘a teacher in New York earns twice as much as one in Mississippi.’
The 2022 Teacher Pay Raise: The Largest in Years
The 2022 teacher pay raise, signed by Governor Tate Reeves, represents the most significant recent policy action on Mississippi teacher compensation. Per PBS NewsHour: ‘Gov. Tate Reeves signs largest teacher pay raise in years.’
| 2022 Mississippi Teacher Pay Raise — Key Provisions |
| STARTING SALARY INCREASE: From $37,000 to $41,500 for a beginning teacher with a bachelor’s degree — a $4,500 increase in the state base starting salary. |
| ONGOING STEP STRUCTURE: ‘Under the new law, teachers’ base pay will increase by a few hundred dollars most years, with larger increases with every fifth year of experience and a more substantial bump at 25 years.’ (PBS NewsHour) |
| MILESTONE YEARS: Per the PBS NewsHour description, the salary schedule includes built-in acceleration at 5-year intervals — Years 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 receive larger-than-average step increases. |
| 25-YEAR MILESTONE: A ‘more substantial bump at 25 years’ creates a significant incentive for long-term teacher retention. |
| TEACHERS’ ASSISTANTS: ‘$2,000 increase over two years, taking pay from $15,000 to $17,000.’ (PBS NewsHour) — paraprofessionals also benefited. |
| CONTEXT: Prior to this raise, the average Mississippi teacher salary in 2019-20 was $46,843 (SREB data), lagging behind the SREB average of $55,205 for teachers in the 16 Southern states and far below the national average of $64,133. |
| CONTINUED IMPROVEMENT: Per tallo.com (June 2025): ‘The 2024 raise added $1,500 to all salary steps.’ Legislative sessions continue to address teacher pay. |
| Sources: PBS NewsHour (pbs.org/newshour/education/mississippi-gov-tate-reeves-signs-largest-teacher-pay-raise-in-years); tallo.com (June 2025). |
The Mississippi State Salary Schedule: How Pay Works
Mississippi teacher compensation is structured around a statewide salary schedule that establishes base pay for all public school teachers. Per tallo.com (June 2025): ‘Teacher pay in Mississippi is determined by a statewide salary schedule based on experience, degree level, and certification. Public school employees receive structured compensation that increases over time. Base salaries are standardized, but local districts can add supplements.’
Two Dimensions of the Salary Schedule
- Experience steps (Years): Automatic annual step increases based on years of teaching experience in Mississippi public schools. The schedule runs from Year 0 (starting) through Year 35+, with built-in acceleration at 5-year milestones.
- License class (Degree lanes): Separate salary columns for Class A (bachelor’s degree), Class AA (master’s degree), Class AAA (specialist/JD/MFA), and Class AAAA (doctorate). Higher degree = higher base salary at each experience step.
Key Salary Points on the Schedule
| Experience / Qualification | Annual Salary | Notes / Source |
| Starting (bachelor’s degree, Year 0) | $41,500 (state base) | PBS NewsHour — 2022 raise establishes $41,500 starting base |
| Starting (bachelor’s degree, est. after 2024 raise) | ~$43,000 (est.) | $41,500 + 2024 $1,500 step increase = ~$43,000 |
| Experienced teacher (mid-career) | $52,162 (2024 average) | tallo.com — ‘average teacher salary in Mississippi is $52,162 as of 2024’ |
| Veteran teacher (many years) | $55,000-$65,000+ (est.) | tallo.com — ‘veteran educators with advanced degrees can earn over $65,000’ |
| Maximum (35+ years, doctorate) | $71,400 | tallo.com — ‘Teachers with 35+ years and a doctorate can earn $71,400’ |
Sources: tallo.com (June 2, 2025) — $41,500 starting; $52,162 average 2024; $71,400 maximum; ‘over $65,000 with advanced degrees’; PBS NewsHour — $41,500 starting base after 2022 raise.
Starting Teacher Salary: $41,500 Base
The starting salary for a Mississippi public school teacher holding a bachelor’s degree (Class A license, no prior experience) is $41,500 from the state, established by the 2022 salary reform legislation (PBS NewsHour).
With the additional 2024 raise of $1,500 to all salary steps (tallo.com), the effective starting salary is approximately $43,000 before local district supplements.
Per tallo.com (June 2025): ‘Mississippi teacher salaries start at $41,500 for educators holding a bachelor’s degree. Higher degrees result in higher starting pay.’ This means:
- Class AA (master’s degree) starting salary: Higher than $41,500 — the master’s degree column starts above the bachelor’s degree column at each experience step. The specific Class AA starting figure is available in the current state salary schedule at MDE (mdek12.org).
- Class AAA and AAAA: Higher still — each additional degree level generates a higher starting salary at Year 0.
- Mid-year start: Per tallo.com: ‘Salaries are adjusted based on the number of contract days worked. A teacher starting mid-year receives a prorated portion of their annual salary.’
- National context: Per NEA 2024-25 Teacher Salary Benchmark Report (April 2026): the national average starting teacher salary for 2024-25 was $48,112. Mississippi’s approximate $43,000 starting salary (after the 2024 raise) trails the national average by approximately $5,000.
Sources: PBS NewsHour — ‘$41,500 starting base’; tallo.com (June 2025) — prorated start; degree-level progression; NEA 2024-25 Benchmark — ‘$48,112 national average starting salary.’
Career Progression: From Start to Maximum
The Mississippi state salary schedule creates a predictable career earnings progression. Per tallo.com (June 2025) and PBS NewsHour (2022 raise description):
| Career Stage | Approximate Annual Salary | Years of Experience | Degree Level |
| Entry (bachelor’s) | $41,500-$43,000 (state base) | 0 | Class A (BA) |
| 5-Year Milestone | ~$46,000-$49,000 (est.) | 5 | Class A — larger step increase at Year 5 |
| Mid-Career (bachelor’s) | $50,000-$55,000 (est.) | 10-15 | Class A or AA |
| Experienced with master’s | $55,000-$62,000 (est.) | 15-25 | Class AA |
| 25-Year Milestone | Substantial salary bump | 25 | Any class — milestone bonus per 2022 law |
| Senior veteran (bachelor’s) | $60,000-$65,000 (est.) | 25-35 | Class A or AA |
| Maximum (35+ years, doctorate) | $71,400 | 35+ | Class AAAA (doctorate) |
Sources: tallo.com (June 2025) — $41,500 start; $71,400 max; ‘over $65,000 with advanced degrees’; PBS NewsHour — 5-year milestone; 25-year ‘more substantial bump’; $37,000-$41,500 base range.
Per tallo.com: ‘Retired teachers can earn up to 125% of the salary schedule depending on local policy and needs during the 2024-2025 school year.’ This provision allows retired teachers to return to teaching (in shortage areas) at above-scale compensation, addressing critical vacancies in the most underserved districts.
District Salary Supplements: The Local Factor
A critical but often overlooked component of Mississippi teacher compensation is the local district salary supplement. Per tallo.com (June 2025): ‘Base salaries are standardized, but local districts can add supplements.’ Per tallo.com: ‘Supplements range from $500 to over $5,000 depending on district funding.’
These local supplements — funded by district property tax revenue, grants, or other local sources — can add meaningful compensation beyond the state base. The range from $500 to $5,000+ is substantial:
- $5,000 supplement districts: Gulfport; Madison County School District. ‘For example, Gulfport offers a $5,000 supplement while others offer $500.’ (tallo.com)
- $4,000 supplement districts: DeSoto County Schools — ‘Roughly $4,000 per year.’ (tallo.com)
- Other supplement-offering districts: ‘Teacher salaries vary widely by district, mainly due to local salary supplements funded by district tax revenue or grants.’ (tallo.com)
The practical impact: a teacher in a high-supplement district like Gulfport or Madison County can earn $5,000+ more per year than a teacher in a no-supplement rural district at the same experience and degree level. Over a 25-year career, this difference represents $125,000+ in additional compensation — before accounting for the compound effect on pension calculations.
Per Glassdoor data for Mississippi teachers: top-paying companies/districts include Hinds County School District, Madison County School District, and Harrison County School District — reflecting the concentration of high-supplement districts in the Jackson metro area, Madison County, and Gulf Coast communities.
Sources: tallo.com (June 2025) — ‘Gulfport $5,000; Madison County up to $5,000; DeSoto County roughly $4,000; supplements $500 to $5,000+’; Glassdoor MS teacher salary — ‘Hinds County, Madison County, Harrison County top-paying.’
High-Paying Districts in Mississippi
Within Mississippi’s overall low-salary context, certain districts offer higher compensation through local supplements and competitive positioning. Per Glassdoor and tallo.com data:
| District | Supplement / Salary Notes | Location | Notes |
| Madison County School District | Up to $5,000 supplement annually (tallo.com); listed by Glassdoor as top-paying | Madison County (north of Jackson) | Affluent suburban district; high local tax base; competitive with Jackson metro alternatives |
| Gulfport School District | $5,000 supplement (tallo.com) | Harrison County / Gulf Coast | Gulf Coast district; benefits from tourism economy tax base |
| DeSoto County Schools | Roughly $4,000 supplement per year (tallo.com) | DeSoto County (Memphis suburb) | Fastest-growing county in MS; competes with Tennessee suburban salaries |
| Hinds County School District | Listed by Glassdoor as top-paying | Jackson metro area | Largest county in MS; Jackson-area competitive positioning |
| Harrison County School District | Listed by Glassdoor as top-paying | Gulf Coast | Biloxi/Gulfport area; tourism economy tax base |
| Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) | Glassdoor: top-paying for government/public admin | Statewide (state employees) | MDE staff roles; not classroom teachers in schools |
Sources: tallo.com (June 2025) — Madison County $5,000; Gulfport $5,000; DeSoto County $4,000; Glassdoor MS teacher salary — ‘Hinds County, Madison County, Harrison County top-paying in healthcare/government.’
Salary by License Class: The Degree Premium
Mississippi’s salary schedule rewards advanced degrees through the license class system (Class A through AAAA). The degree premium is embedded in the salary schedule — every teacher with a higher degree earns more at the same experience step.
- Class A (bachelor’s): Starting: $41,500-$43,000 (state base + 2024 raise). This is the baseline for new teachers entering through traditional or alternate route certification.
- Class AA (master’s): Higher starting salary; higher maximum. Per tallo.com: ‘Higher degrees result in higher starting pay.’ The specific master’s degree premium over bachelor’s degree on the state salary schedule is available at mdek12.org — check the current schedule for exact figures.
- Class AAA (specialist/JD/MFA): Further premium above Class AA. The JD and MFA recognition in Mississippi’s Class AAA creates interesting opportunities for attorneys and artists/writers who transition to teaching.
- Class AAAA (doctorate): Highest salary lane. Maximum: $71,400 with 35+ years of experience. Per tallo.com: ‘Teachers with 35+ years of experience and a doctorate can earn $71,400.’
The financial case for graduate education in Mississippi teaching: per tallo.com, ‘Higher degrees result in higher starting pay.’
A teacher who enters at Class AA (master’s degree) versus Class A (bachelor’s degree) and teaches for 25 years will accumulate a meaningful salary differential at each step. The specific Class AA premium should be verified against the current state salary schedule at MDE (mdek12.org).
✔ Pursue the Master’s Degree Early: The salary premium for a master’s degree (Class AA vs. Class A) accumulates across every year of teaching. A teacher who earns their master’s degree in Year 3 of teaching rather than Year 15 captures 12 additional years of the Class AA premium — potentially representing $30,000-$60,000+ in additional lifetime earnings, plus a higher pension calculation based on the higher average salary.
Sources: tallo.com (June 2025) — degree progression; $71,400 maximum with doctorate + 35 years; MDE guidelines — Class A through AAAA definitions.
The Cost-of-Living Context: Purchasing Power in Mississippi
Mississippi’s low teacher salaries look very different when contextualized by the state’s cost of living. Mississippi consistently ranks as the lowest or one of the lowest cost-of-living states in the nation.
- MERIC cost-of-living index: Mississippi’s cost of living is approximately 83% of the national average (Missouri Economic Research and Information Center). Housing — the largest household expense — costs significantly less in Mississippi than in higher-wage states.
- BLS CoL-adjusted salary (wealthvieu.com): Per wealthvieu.com (May 2026, citing BLS and NEA data with MIT Living Wage indices): cost-of-living-adjusted teacher salaries show Mississippi’s real purchasing power is higher than the nominal ranking suggests. ‘The CoL-adjusted column is the most useful for comparing purchasing power across states.’
- Theworlddata.com: ‘Nominal salaries do not tell the full story.’ — acknowledging that Mississippi’s cost of living partially offsets the nominal salary disadvantage.
- National Community Hub (nchstats.com, Nov 2025): ‘The pattern is clear: states with higher living costs, California, New York, Massachusetts, and Washington, pay teachers the most, while states in the South and Midwest trail behind. Nominal salaries do not tell the full story.’ — confirming that cost of living context is essential.
Practical examples of Mississippi’s low cost of living for teachers:
- Median home price in Jackson metro area: significantly below the national median, making homeownership accessible on a teacher’s salary
- Housing, utilities, groceries, and transportation all cost less than in states like California, New York, and Massachusetts
- A Mississippi teacher earning $53,000 may have greater practical purchasing power than a New York teacher earning $98,000, once housing costs are factored in
Sources: wealthvieu.com (May 2026) — CoL-adjusted salary analysis; nchstats.com (Nov 2025) — ‘nominal salaries do not tell the full story’; theworlddata.com — ‘nominal salaries do not tell the full story’; MERIC cost-of-living index.
Mississippi Pension System (MPERS
Mississippi public school teachers participate in the Public Employees’ Retirement System of Mississippi (MPERS) — a defined benefit pension plan that represents substantial additional lifetime compensation beyond base salary. MPERS significantly improves the total compensation picture for Mississippi teachers.
- Type: Defined benefit pension — guaranteed monthly income in retirement based on years of service and final average salary.
- Social Security: Mississippi public school teachers DO contribute to Social Security through their teaching employment (unlike some states such as Massachusetts). This is an important distinction — teachers in Mississippi receive BOTH Social Security benefits AND the MPERS pension.
- Employee contribution: Teachers contribute a percentage of salary to MPERS; the exact rate is published at mpers.ms.gov. Contact MPERS at 1-800-444-7377 or visit mpers.ms.gov for current rates.
- Vesting: Teachers become vested in MPERS after completing the required years of service as specified by MPERS guidelines.
- Benefit: Monthly benefit based on years of creditable service, final average compensation, and the MPERS benefit formula. A teacher with 25-30 years of Mississippi service receives a guaranteed monthly pension for life.
- Retirement options: ‘Retired teachers can earn up to 125% of the salary schedule depending on local policy and needs during the 2024-2025 school year.’ (tallo.com) — retirees who return to teaching in shortage areas receive enhanced compensation.
The MPERS benefit, when calculated as a present value over a lifetime of retirement, can represent $300,000-$500,000+ in guaranteed income for a teacher who spends a full career in Mississippi. This defined benefit pension substantially improves the financial attractiveness of Mississippi teaching beyond what the nominal salary alone suggests.
✔ Maximize MPERS Years: The MPERS defined benefit pension rewards long service. A teacher with 30 years of service receives a substantially higher monthly pension than one with 20 years. Every additional year of Mississippi teaching service adds to lifetime pension income — and since the pension is based on final average salary, increasing your salary in the final years (through degree advancement or district supplements) also increases lifetime pension income.
Sources: tallo.com (June 2025) — retired teachers 125% of salary schedule; MPERS (mpers.ms.gov); MPERS phone: 1-800-444-7377 (referenced in MDE Renewal page context).
Total Compensation: Salary + Benefits + Federal Programs
| Compensation Component | Estimated Value | Notes |
| Base salary | $41,500-$71,400 | State salary schedule; Class A start to Class AAAA maximum; 2024 $1,500 raise applied |
| Local district supplement | $500-$5,000+/yr | Gulfport and Madison County at $5,000; DeSoto $4,000; many districts offer $500-$2,000 |
| MPERS pension (accrual value) | $8,000-$15,000+/yr est. | Defined benefit pension; Mississippi teachers receive BOTH MPERS AND Social Security |
| Social Security | 6.2% employer + 6.2% employee | Mississippi public school teachers DO receive Social Security — different from some states |
| Employer health insurance | $5,000-$12,000+/yr est. | Mississippi School Employees’ Health Insurance Plan (SIP); substantial employer contribution |
| Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) | $0-$100,000+ (lifetime, tax-free) | After 120 qualifying payments; all MS public school teachers qualify (government employer) |
| Teacher Loan Forgiveness (TLF) | $5,000-$17,500 (one-time) | SpEd/Math/Science at Title I school for 5 yrs: $17,500; other shortage areas: $5,000 |
| TEACH Grants | Up to $4,000/yr (while enrolled) | Commitment to teach in shortage area at high-need school for 4 years |
Sources: tallo.com (June 2025) — base salary range; supplements; retired teacher 125%; mpers.ms.gov — MPERS details; studentaid.gov/pslf; studentaid.gov — TLF; MDE (mdek12.org).
The Teacher Pay Gap: Mississippi vs. Other Professions
Even within Mississippi’s low-cost-of-living context, the gap between teacher pay and other college-educated professional salaries represents a structural challenge for recruitment and retention.
- NEA 2024-25 Benchmark (April 2026): Per the NEA 2024-25 Teacher Salary Benchmark Report, the average top teacher salary nationally was $87,331 in 2024-25, a 3.6% increase from the prior year. Mississippi’s maximum teacher salary of $71,400 (with doctorate and 35+ years) falls $15,931 below the national average top salary.
- Pay penalty nationally: Per NEA reporting on EPI data, teachers nationally earn approximately 24-26% less than comparable college-educated professionals. Mississippi’s nominal salary disadvantage relative to other college-educated Mississippians is likely similar or worse, given the state’s limited alternative high-wage employer base.
- Real wage stagnation: Per NEA 2025 Rankings (April 2025): ‘Even with record-level increases in some states, average teacher pay has failed to keep up with inflation over the past decade. Adjusted for inflation, on average, teachers are making 5% less than they did 10 years ago.’ Mississippi’s 1.61% annual growth rate (theworlddata.com) makes this national trend more acute in-state.
- Retention consequence: Per theworlddata.com: ‘Mississippi faces persistent teacher shortages and struggles to retain experienced educators who often seek opportunities in neighboring states or leave the profession entirely.’
Sources: NEA 2024-25 Benchmark (April 2026) — ‘$87,331 national average top salary’; NEA 2025 Rankings (April 2025) — ‘teachers making 5% less than 10 years ago adjusted for inflation’; theworlddata.com — ‘1.61% annual growth rate; last in nation; struggles to retain educators.’
Job Outlook: National BLS Projections
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook provides the authoritative national teacher employment projections for 2024-34. While Mississippi-specific BLS projections are not separately published, the national framework provides context.
| Teaching Category | Employment Change (2024-34) | Annual Openings | Median Annual Wage (May 2024) | Notes |
| Kindergarten and Elementary Teachers | Decline ~1-2% | ~103,800/year | $63,680 | All openings from replacement demand; school-age population declining |
| Middle School Teachers | Decline ~1-2% | ~40,500/year | $65,440 | Same demographic driver; replacement demand dominates |
| High School Teachers | Decline 1-2% | 66,200/year | $66,640 | Slower decline; specialized subject demand |
| Special Education Teachers | Stable to slight growth | 47,000/year | $65,570 | Federal IDEA mandate; persistent nationwide shortage |
| Career/Vocational Teachers | Decline 2% | 25,000/year | $63,000 (est.) | Industry expertise needed; replacement demand |
Sources: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Elementary School Teachers; Middle School Teachers; High School Teachers; Special Education Teachers (bls.gov/ooh, July 2025).
Note on Mississippi vs. national projections: while national projections show slight employment declines due to falling school-age populations overall, Mississippi’s situation differs substantially.
The state’s documented 2,593+ unfilled positions (2022-23) and approximately 1/3 of districts designated as critical shortage areas mean the practical job outlook for teachers in Mississippi is far stronger than national averages suggest — the demand is genuine, the vacancies are real, and the opportunity for alternate route candidates and career changers is exceptional.
Mississippi-Specific Workforce Data: Vacancies and Shortage
Mississippi’s specific teacher workforce situation reveals a significant and persistent shortage:
- 2,593 unfilled positions (2022-23): Per teachercertificationdegrees.com MS (March 1, 2026) — ‘Mississippi had 2,593 unfilled positions during the 2022-2023 school year.’
- 1,520+ underqualified teachers (2017-18): Per teachercertificationdegrees.com MS: ‘Over 1,520 teachers in Mississippi were considered underqualified for their assignment, which includes teachers assigned to classrooms outside their certification field on a temporary or emergency basis.’
- 50 critical shortage districts: Approximately one-third of Mississippi’s 152 school districts are formally designated as critical shortage areas (Sapling.com).
- Rural-urban compensation gap: Sapling.com: ‘Certain Mississippi school districts are in poor, rural areas that have to compete with larger, wealthier ones that can pay more experienced teachers.’ — the intrastate competition for certified teachers is intense.
- NEA 2024-25 Benchmark reporting challenges: Per NEA 2024-25 Benchmark Report (April 2026): ‘For Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi, CBMA did not use state minimum salaries or salary schedules to fill in missing salary information, which we have done in the past.’ This reflects data quality challenges in Mississippi’s salary reporting — the actual shortage is likely underrepresented in formal data.
- Annual vacancies in shortage subjects: Special Education, Mathematics, Science, and ESL consistently generate annual vacancies throughout Mississippi. These subjects are federally designated as shortage areas, qualifying teachers in these fields for Teacher Loan Forgiveness.
Sources: teachercertificationdegrees.com MS (March 2026) — 2,593 unfilled; 1,520 underqualified; sapling.com — 1/3 of 152 districts critical shortage; NEA 2024-25 Benchmark (April 2026) — Mississippi salary data reporting challenges.
Mississippi Teacher Shortage Areas: Federal Designations
The U.S. Department of Education formally designates Teacher Shortage Areas (TSAs) for each state annually. These designations have direct financial implications through Teacher Loan Forgiveness eligibility. Per teachercertificationdegrees.com MS (March 2026), Mississippi’s federally designated shortage areas for 2023-24 include:
| Mississippi Federal Teacher Shortage Areas (2023-24) — Financial Implications |
| SPECIAL EDUCATION (all levels): The most critical shortage area nationally and in Mississippi. Teachers in SpEd at Title I low-income schools qualify for Teacher Loan Forgiveness of up to $17,500 after 5 consecutive years. |
| MATHEMATICS (secondary): Chronic national and Mississippi shortage. SpEd, Math, and Science teachers at Title I schools: $17,500 TLF after 5 years. |
| SCIENCES (secondary — Physics, Chemistry, Biology): Similar to Mathematics in shortage severity and financial incentives. |
| ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL/ESOL): Growing shortage as Mississippi’s ELL population increases. TLF: $5,000 after 5 years at Title I school. |
| CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (multiple areas): Shortage of qualified CTE instructors with both occupational credentials and teaching ability. |
| FINANCIAL IMPACT: Teachers in SpEd, Math, or Science at a Title I school who complete 5 consecutive years qualify for $17,500 in Teacher Loan Forgiveness (tax-free, one-time). Other shortage area teachers qualify for $5,000. All Mississippi public school teachers qualify for PSLF (full remaining federal loan balance after 120 qualifying payments). The combined PSLF + TLF can eliminate $50,000-$200,000+ in student debt for a shortage area teacher. |
| Sources: teachercertificationdegrees.com MS (March 2026); U.S. DOE Teacher Shortage Area database (tsa.ed.gov); studentaid.gov. |
Financial Incentives for Teaching in Mississippi Shortage Areas
| Program | Amount | Who Qualifies | How to Access |
| Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) | Full remaining federal loan balance, tax-free, after 120 qualifying payments | All MS public school teachers (school districts = government employers); must be in an income-driven repayment plan | Enroll at studentaid.gov/pslf on Day 1 of employment; submit Employment Certification Form annually |
| Teacher Loan Forgiveness (TLF) | $17,500 (SpEd, Math, Science at Title I) OR $5,000 (other shortage areas) | 5 consecutive years at Title I low-income school in a federally designated shortage area | Apply after 5 years at studentaid.gov |
| PSLF + TLF Combined | $5,000-$17,500 (after 5 yrs) + remaining balance (after 10 yrs) | Shortage area teachers at Title I can use TLF in Year 5 then PSLF in Year 10 for maximum benefit | Consult studentaid.gov for sequencing — both programs are complementary |
| TEACH Grants | Up to $4,000/yr while enrolled | Education students committing to 4 years in shortage area at high-need school; GPA requirements apply | Apply at studentaid.gov; failure to fulfill = converted to unsubsidized loan |
| Mississippi state programs | Varies | Contact MDE (601-359-3483) and Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning for current state-level teacher incentive programs | Check current program availability with MDE annually |
| District signing bonuses | $500-$5,000+ (district-specific) | Shortage subject area teachers in select Mississippi districts | Negotiate at hire; ask district HR specifically about shortage area incentives |
Sources: studentaid.gov/pslf; studentaid.gov — TLF and TEACH Grants; MDE (601-359-3483); tallo.com — district supplements.
2025 Legislative Actions and Pay Trends
Mississippi’s teacher compensation landscape continues to evolve through legislative action. The trajectory since 2019 shows meaningful improvement:
- 2019-20 base: $37,000 starting salary (per PBS NewsHour). Average: $46,843 (SREB 2019-20).
- 2022 raise: Starting salary raised to $41,500; structured step increases; 25-year milestone bonus. Largest raise in years (PBS NewsHour).
- 2024 raise: ‘The 2024 raise added $1,500 to all salary steps.’ (tallo.com) — effective for the 2024-25 school year.
- 2025 potential: Per tallo.com: ‘Teachers could see another raise in July 2025 depending on legislative action. Unions and parent groups have pushed for better compensation tied to retention. Pay will likely continue to rise to address shortages and improve recruitment across districts.’
- Long-term goal: Per tallo.com: ‘The goal is to retain experienced educators while recruiting new employees to the classroom.’
The trend is positive, but the gap remains large. Even with continued annual raises, Mississippi’s average salary will take years to approach the national average given the starting gap of approximately $19,520 (2024-25: national $74,495 vs. Mississippi $54,975).
However, even incremental improvements matter: a $1,500 raise across all salary steps represents meaningful annual additional income for the state’s approximately 33,000 public school teachers.
Sources: PBS NewsHour — 2019-20 $37,000 base; $46,843 2019-20 average; tallo.com (June 2025) — 2024 raise $1,500; 2025 potential raise; long-term goal; NEA 2026 — $54,975 2024-25.
Strategies for Maximizing Lifetime Earnings as a Mississippi Teacher
Given Mississippi’s salary structure, supplement variation, and available federal programs, there are concrete strategies that can substantially improve lifetime earnings for Mississippi teachers.
- Strategy 1 — Choose your district strategically: The difference between a $5,000-supplement district (Gulfport, Madison County) and a $500-supplement district is $4,500 per year — $112,500 over a 25-year career, before pension implications. Geographic salary optimization within Mississippi is a meaningful decision.
- Strategy 2 — Pursue graduate education early: Advancing from Class A to Class AA (master’s degree) early in your career captures more years of the degree premium. Earning your master’s degree in Year 3 rather than Year 15 can add $30,000-$60,000+ in additional lifetime earnings.
- Strategy 3 — Enroll in PSLF on Day 1: Mississippi public school teachers are employed by school districts (government employers) — qualifying for PSLF from the first day of employment. Every month of teaching that passes without PSLF enrollment is a qualifying payment lost. Enroll at studentaid.gov/pslf on your first day.
- Strategy 4 — Teach in a shortage area at a Title I school: The combination of Teacher Loan Forgiveness ($17,500 after 5 years for SpEd/Math/Science) and PSLF (after 10 years) can eliminate $50,000-$200,000+ in student loan debt — more than compensating for Mississippi’s salary gap relative to higher-paying states that don’t offer the same loan forgiveness environment.
- Strategy 5 — Maximize MPERS years: The MPERS defined benefit pension rewards long service. Teaching 30 years rather than 25 years creates a materially higher lifetime pension income. Build your career plan around MPERS vesting and benefit formula milestones.
- Strategy 6 — Leverage milestone years: The state salary schedule has built-in milestone bonuses at Years 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 (per PBS NewsHour). Planning career moves (district changes, degree completions) around these milestones can maximize salary at each stage.
- Strategy 7 — Target retired teacher positions: ‘Retired teachers can earn up to 125% of the salary schedule depending on local policy and needs during the 2024-2025 school year.’ (tallo.com) — Mississippi retirees who return to teaching in shortage areas receive above-scale compensation.
Mississippi Teacher Salary & Job Outlook: FAQs
What is the average teacher salary in Mississippi?
Mississippi’s average teacher salary was $53,704 in 2023-24 (NEA Rankings 2025, April 17, 2025) and $54,975 in 2024-25 (NEA Rankings 2026, May 2, 2026). This makes Mississippi last (50th) among all 50 states for average teacher salary in both years. The national average for 2024-25 was $74,495, leaving a gap of approximately $19,520 between Mississippi and the national average. However, Mississippi’s cost of living is approximately 83% of the national average, providing some purchasing power offset.
What is the starting teacher salary in Mississippi?
The starting state base salary for a Mississippi teacher with a bachelor’s degree (Class A license, no prior experience) is $41,500, established by the 2022 teacher pay raise law (PBS NewsHour). The 2024 raise added $1,500 to all salary steps, bringing the effective starting salary to approximately $43,000 before local district supplements. Individual districts can add supplements of $500 to $5,000+ annually. The national average starting teacher salary for 2024-25 was $48,112 (NEA 2024-25 Benchmark, April 2026).
Which Mississippi school districts pay teachers the most?
Per tallo.com (June 2025): districts with the highest salary supplements include Gulfport School District and Madison County School District (both offering up to $5,000 annual supplement) and DeSoto County Schools (approximately $4,000 supplement). Glassdoor data identifies Hinds County School District, Madison County School District, and Harrison County School District as top-paying Mississippi districts. Supplements are funded by local tax revenue and vary by district fiscal capacity.
What is the maximum teacher salary in Mississippi?
Per tallo.com (June 2025): ‘Teachers with 35+ years of experience and a doctorate can earn $71,400.’ This is the state salary schedule maximum for a Class AAAA (doctoral degree) teacher with 35+ years of experience, before any local district supplement is added. With a district supplement of $5,000, the maximum potential teacher salary in the highest-paying Mississippi districts can reach approximately $76,400+.
Is the teacher job market good in Mississippi?
Yes — for candidates, the Mississippi teacher job market is exceptionally strong. Mississippi had 2,593 unfilled teaching positions in 2022-23 (teachercertificationdegrees.com MS), and approximately one-third of the state’s 152 districts are designated as critical shortage areas (Sapling.com). Shortage subjects including Special Education, Mathematics, Science, and ESL have consistent annual vacancies throughout the state. BLS national projections show slight employment decline due to demographic trends, but Mississippi’s documented vacancies mean the practical job market for qualified teachers — particularly those willing to teach in shortage areas — is significantly stronger than the national average.
What federal loan forgiveness programs are available for Mississippi teachers?
Mississippi public school teachers qualify for two major federal loan forgiveness programs: (1) Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) — after 120 qualifying monthly payments under an income-driven repayment plan, the remaining federal loan balance is forgiven tax-free. All Mississippi public school teachers qualify (school districts are government employers). Enroll on Day 1 at studentaid.gov/pslf. (2) Teacher Loan Forgiveness — up to $17,500 for Special Education, Mathematics, and Science teachers at Title I low-income schools after 5 consecutive years; $5,000 for other shortage areas at Title I schools. Apply at studentaid.gov after completing 5 years.
Official Sources and Further Reading
Primary Salary Data Sources
- NEA Teacher Pay and Per Student Spending 2025 (April 17, 2025): nea.org/resource-library/educator-pay-and-student-spending-how-does-your-state-rank/teacher-2025 — ‘Mississippi $53,704; lowest nationally’; California $101,084; NY $95,615; national avg; 3.8% national one-year change; inflation context ‘5% less than 10 years ago’
- NEA Teacher Pay and Per Student Spending 2026 (May 2, 2026): nea.org/resource-library/educator-pay-and-student-spending-how-does-your-state-rank/teacher — ‘Mississippi $54,975 lowest nationally’; California $103,552; NY $98,655; WA $96,589; 3.5% national change; Nevada 11.8% largest increase
- NEA 2024-25 Teacher Salary Benchmark Report (April 2026): nea.org/sites/default/files/2026-04/2024-2025-teacher-salary-benchmark-report-final-new.pdf — national avg top salary $87,331; starting national avg $48,112; Mississippi data reporting challenges noted
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Teachers: bls.gov/ooh — 2024-34 projections; median wages by teaching category
Mississippi-Specific Salary Sources
- tallo.com — Mississippi Teacher Pay Scale (June 2, 2025): tallo.com/careers/discovery/mississippi-teacher-pay-scale/ — ‘$52,162 average 2024; $41,500 starting; $71,400 maximum; Gulfport $5,000 supplement; Madison County $5,000; DeSoto County $4,000; 2024 raise $1,500 all steps; retired teachers 125% salary schedule’
- PBS NewsHour — Mississippi Gov. Signs Largest Teacher Pay Raise in Years: pbs.org/newshour/education/mississippi-gov-tate-reeves-signs-largest-teacher-pay-raise-in-years — ‘2019-20 $46,843 avg (SREB); $37,000 to $41,500 starting; milestone structure; 25-year bump; teachers’ assistants $15,000 to $17,000′
- theworlddata.com — Teacher Salary by State 2025 (November 10, 2025): theworlddata.com/teacher-salary-by-state/ — ‘Mississippi $55,086 projected 2024-25; $53,704 in 2023-24; 1.61% annual growth rate; dead last for wage improvement’
- Glassdoor — Teacher Salary in Mississippi (2025): glassdoor.com — ‘Hinds County, Madison County, Harrison County top-paying districts; $97,812 highest; $53,369 lowest’
- MPERS (Mississippi Public Employees’ Retirement System): mpers.ms.gov — defined benefit pension; contribution rates; retirement options; 1-800-444-7377
Reference and Context Sources
- NEA Where Teacher Pay Is Increasing (April 28, 2026): nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/teacher-pay-2026 — ‘Mississippi $54,975 lowest’; collective bargaining context; ‘91% of districts have starting salaries of at least $40,000’
- wealthvieu.com — Teacher Salary by State 2026 (May 2026): wealthvieu.com/personal-finance/salary-by-profession/teacher-salary-by-state/ — ‘Mississippi $46K (BLS est.); national median $61,350; CoL-adjusted salary table; step-and-lane explanation’
- nchstats.com — How Much Do Teachers Get Paid (November 2025): nchstats.com/how-much-do-teachers-get-paid/ — ‘national avg $72,030 in 2024; nominal salaries do not tell full story; cost-of-living context’
- teachercertificationdegrees.com Mississippi (March 1, 2026): teachercertificationdegrees.com/certification/mississippi/ — 2,593 unfilled positions; 1,520 underqualified; shortage areas; MDE workforce context
- studentaid.gov — PSLF, TLF, TEACH Grants: studentaid.gov/pslf; studentaid.gov — federal loan forgiveness for public school teachers
Mississippi Teacher Salary & Job Outlook: Conclusion
Mississippi teacher salary data tells a story of two realities: the nominal ranking (last in the nation at $53,704-$54,975) and the lived experience (meaningfully better purchasing power than the nominal figure suggests in a state where the cost of living is 83% of the national average). Both realities are true, and both matter.
The structural story is clear: Mississippi’s 1.61% annual salary growth rate — the lowest in the nation for wage growth — means the salary gap with other states is not closing quickly.
The 2022 raise ($37,000 to $41,500 starting) and the 2024 raise ($1,500 to all steps) represent positive momentum, and legislative attention to teacher compensation has been sustained.
But addressing the 2,593 unfilled positions and the 50+ districts in critical shortage requires more than incremental raises — it requires structural changes to how Mississippi funds public education.
For teachers who choose Mississippi — whether through genuine commitment to its students and communities, through the alternate route pathway, or through strategic financial planning — the combination of MPERS pension, Social Security, PSLF, Teacher Loan Forgiveness, district supplements, and low cost of living can produce a total compensation and financial well-being picture that compares more favorably with higher-paying states than the nominal salary alone suggests.
The teacher who enrolls in PSLF on Day 1, teaches 5 years at a Title I school in a shortage subject, earns a master’s degree early, and chooses a supplement-offering district is making financial decisions that meaningfully offset Mississippi’s nominal salary disadvantage.
NEA | nea.org | BLS | bls.gov/ooh | MPERS | mpers.ms.gov | 1-800-444-7377 | studentaid.gov/pslf | MDE | mdek12.org | Data current as of June 2025