Teacher Salaries in Mississippi — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026The median teacher salary in Mississippi is $48,440 per year, equivalent to $23.29/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. Mississippi employs approximately 11,680 teachers statewide.
Teacher salaries in Mississippi are below the national average by approximately $15,054. Mississippi has a flat state income tax rate of 5%.
Mississippi's growing population and business-friendly environment create expanding opportunities for teachers.
Mississippi Teacher Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Mississippi after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Mississippi has a flat state income tax rate of 5%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Mississippi has a flat state income tax rate of 5%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Mississippi Teacher Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Mississippi median of $48,440.
Teacher Salary by Experience — Mississippi
Teacher Salary Trend in Mississippi — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataOver the past five years, Mississippi has seen 13.9% wage growth for teachers — broadly in line with cost-of-living changes across the region. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Mississippi's public and private education.
Teacher Salary by City — Mississippi
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson | $53,750 | $25.84 | +11.0% | 4,087 |
| Gulfport | $51,350 | $24.69 | +6.0% | 3,270 |
| Southaven | $49,900 | $23.99 | +3.0% | 2,102 |
| Hattiesburg | $46,500 | $22.36 | -4.0% | 1,051 |
| Biloxi | $44,100 | $21.20 | -9.0% | 700 |
| Meridian | $42,150 | $20.26 | -13.0% | 467 |
Tip: Jackson offers the highest teacher salaries in Mississippi at $53,750/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Mississippi vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Mississippi sits in the mid-range for teachers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Mississippi has a flat state income tax rate of 5%.
Teacher Job Outlook in Mississippi
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for teachers in Mississippi is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Mississippi job market. Mississippi's growing population and business-friendly environment create expanding opportunities for teachers.
How to Earn More as a Teacher in Mississippi
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a teacher in Mississippi typically adds $39,800 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Department of Education can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Jackson pays teachers $53,750/yr — +11.0% above the Mississippi average. Simply relocating within Mississippi can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Teachers who specialise in public and private education typically command premium rates in Mississippi. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Tennessee pays teachers $52,690/yr — 8.8% vs Mississippi.
Find Teacher Jobs in Mississippi
Live ListingsSearch current teacher job vacancies in Mississippi:
🔍 Teacher jobs in Mississippi — Indeed→ 🔍 Teacher jobs in Mississippi — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Teacher jobs — Jackson, MS→