What is the average teacher salary in Mississippi?

The average public-school teacher salary in Mississippi is approximately $49,534 per year (source: Mississippi Department of Education / NEA 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.

Do Mississippi teachers get paid during the summer?

Most Mississippi districts pay teachers on a 12-month schedule even though instructional time is ~10 months — the annual salary is spread evenly across the year. Some districts offer a 10-month payment option; check your district's HR for specifics.

What's the highest-paying school district in Mississippi?

Pay scales vary district-to-district. Districts in higher cost-of-living areas typically offer higher base salaries. The "Top Hiring Districts" list on this page shows districts currently hiring across Mississippi.

Does experience or a master's degree increase teacher pay in Mississippi?

Yes. Almost every Mississippi district uses a step-and-lane salary schedule: "steps" reward years of teaching experience and "lanes" reward degree level (BA, BA+15, MA, MA+30, etc.). Earning a master's typically adds $3,000–$8,000 annually depending on the district.

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2026 Salary Guide

Teacher Salaries in Mississippi

Q: How does Mississippi teacher pay compare to the national average?

Mississippi teachers earn about 28% below the national average of $68,469 (National Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24). Cost of living in your specific city plays a big role in how that translates to take-home value.

Mississippi teachers earn an average of $49,534 per year — 28% below the national average.

$49,534State Average

$36,059Entry-Level (BS)

#48National Rank

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Mississippi Teacher Salary Overview

$36,059Entry-Level Salary (BS+0)Starting pay for new teachers with a bachelor's degree

$49,534Average Teacher SalaryState average across all experience levels and districts

$68,469National AverageNational Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24

▼ Mississippi teachers earn 28% less than the national average (-$18,935)

How Mississippi Teacher Salaries Work

Mississippi uses a state minimum salary schedule. Local districts add supplements. Madison County, Rankin County, and DeSoto County (suburban Memphis) offer the highest total compensation. The Mississippi Delta region has the lowest-paying districts.

Key Factors That Affect Your Salary

Years of Experience (Steps): Salaries increase with each additional year of teaching service.
Education Level (Lanes): A master's degree, specialist degree, or doctorate earns a higher salary lane.
District: Each district sets its own salary schedule above the state minimum. Urban and suburban districts near major metro areas typically pay more.
Subject Area: Some districts offer bonuses or supplements for high-demand areas like special education, STEM, and bilingual education.

Additional context:

Mississippi has long ranked near the bottom for teacher pay. The state raised its minimum teacher salary in 2023. Teacher shortages are acute in rural areas and the Delta region.

Top Hiring Districts in Mississippi

These districts currently have the most open teaching positions on EduJobsBoard. Districts with more openings are often the most actively growing or have the most competitive pay.

Oxford School District54 open positions Gulfport School Dist42 open positions Lamar County School District41 open positions South Panola School District35 open positions Lafayette Co School Dist20 open positions East Jasper Consolidated Sch Dist17 open positions Hollandale School Dist15 open positions Forrest County School District14 open positions Clinton Public School Dist13 open positions Starkville- Oktibbeha Cons Dist6 open positions

261 total open positions across Mississippi school districts.

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Mississippi ranks #48 nationally by raw salary. How does it rank after adjusting for cost of living?

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Ready to Teach in Mississippi?

Before you start earning those salaries, you'll need a valid Mississippi teaching certificate. Learn about degree requirements, required exams, and the certification timeline.

Mississippi Certification Guide →

Ready to apply?

Browse current teaching positions in Mississippi — apply directly on district sites.

View Mississippi jobs → Browse by subject

Data sources: Mississippi Department of Education / NEA 2023–24. Salary figures represent approximate state averages and minimums; actual pay varies by district, experience, and education level. For the most current salary schedules, consult your district's human resources department or the Mississippi Department of Education.