Policy and demographics dictate the salaries of every Mississippi certified teacher in compliance with state standards. The state has pay increment schedules based upon the steps taken after becoming a teacher in Mississippi, with higher wages assigned to teachers with continual professional training. To encourage teacher applications in high-need educator areas, there are incentives and employment benefit packages.
Educators possessing teaching certification in Mississippi earn less than their national counterparts. This may not be surprising since according to the latest census data the average family income in Mississippi is at $19,977, less than the national average of $27,334.
| Occupation | Annual mean wage in MS | Annual mean wage in U.S. |
| Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education | $24,490 | $30,150 |
| Kindergarten Teachers Except Special Education | $40,990 | $52,350 |
| Elementary School Teachers Except Special Education | $41,510 | $55,270 |
| Middle School Teachers Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $41,390 | $55,780 |
| Secondary School Teachers Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $42,710 | $56,760 |
| Special Education Teachers Preschool Kindergarten and Elementary School | $43,960 | $56,460 |
| Special Education Teachers Middle School | $43,790 | $58,420 |
| Special Education Teachers Secondary School | $44,900 | $59,080 |
Metropolitan areas are where educators who meet the teaching requirements in Mississippi will find their best employment chances. These areas coincide with the geographical areas where teachers are needed.
| City | Annual mean wage |
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS | $37,950 |
| Hattiesburg MS | $37,080 |
| Jackson MS | $45,220 |
Helpful Resources
- Mississippi Department of Education – Teacher Salary Schedule
- Mississippi Department of Education – Office of Research and Statistics
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Occupational Employment Statistics Query System
- Mississippi Department of Education – Critical Shortage Areas by County
- United States Census Bureau – Mississippi State and County Quickfacts