The average teacher salary in Mississippi is $52,162 as of 2024. Starting salaries begin around $41,500 for new teachers, while veteran educators with advanced degrees can earn over $65,000. The pay scale increases with experience, education level, and certification status.
Mississippi’s Teacher Pay: How It Works
Teacher pay in Mississippi is determined by a state-wide 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.
- New classroom teachers typically start at $41,500.
- Teachers with 35+ years of experience and a doctorate can earn $71,400.
This salary schedule helps ensure equity and consistency across the state.
Starting Salaries and Base Pay by Degree
Mississippi teacher salaries start at $41,500 for educators holding a bachelor’s degree. Higher degrees result in higher starting pay.
2024-2025 Starting Salaries:
- Bachelor’s (Class A): $41,500
- Master’s (AA): $43,000
- Specialist (AAA): $44,000
- Doctorate (AAAA): $45,500
Teachers receive increases with additional years and degrees completed.
Salary Growth Over Time by Experience
Teachers in Mississippi earn more as they gain years of experience. Pay raises follow a clear step system, with increases every few years.
Mississippi Teacher Pay Scale Table (2024–2025)
| Years of Experience | Bachelor’s (A) | Master’s (AA) | Specialist (AAA) | Doctorate (AAAA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | $41,500 | $43,000 | $44,000 | $45,500 |
| 5 | $44,300 | $46,350 | $47,500 | $49,250 |
| 10 | $47,100 | $49,700 | $51,000 | $53,000 |
| 15 | $49,900 | $53,050 | $54,500 | $56,750 |
| 20 | $52,700 | $56,400 | $58,000 | $60,500 |
| 25 | $55,500 | $59,750 | $61,500 | $64,250 |
| 30 | $58,800 | $63,625 | $65,450 | $68,400 |
| 35+ | $60,800 | $66,250 | $68,200 | $71,400 |
Teachers with 30+ years of experience see significant returns on longevity. This structured action supports career teachers and long-term commitment to the field.
District-Level Pay Differences
Teacher salaries vary widely by district, mainly due to local salary supplements funded by district tax revenue or grants.
Example District Supplement Comparisons:
- Madison County School District: Up to $5,000 annually.
- DeSoto County Schools: Roughly $4,000 per year.
- Rural districts: Some offer as little as $500.
This variation causes some teachers to relocate districts to increase total compensation. Local control allows each district to align supplements with community priorities.
Incentives and Bonuses
Mississippi provides additional pay for teachers in high-need schools or subjects.
2025-2026 Incentive Programs:
- $2,000 critical shortage supplement for designated areas
- $6,000 National Board Certification bonus
- Performance-based incentives (varies by district)
- STEM and SPED teaching receive extra pay depending on school need
These supplements attract qualified teachers to the most challenging environments. Teachers in July 2025 will see these bonuses reflected in contracts.
Benefits Beyond Salary
Mississippi teachers also receive strong benefits, including health, retirement, and leave policies.
Core Benefits for Mississippi Teachers:
- Health Insurance: State employee plan with options for dependents
- Retirement Plan: Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS)
- Leave: Paid sick leave, personal days, maternity/paternity leave
- Professional Development: Funded PD hours and credit programs
For most families, the value of benefits adds over $10,000 annually to overall compensation. Teachers who remain in the system for 25+ years qualify for full PERS pension benefits.
Future of Teacher Pay in Mississippi
In 2025, lawmakers are reviewing proposals to increase base teacher pay. The Mississippi Legislature introduced bills to raise minimum salaries by $2,000 across all levels.
- The 2024 raise added $1,500 to all salary steps.
- 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. The goal is to retain experienced educators while recruiting new employees to the classroom.
Mississippi Teacher Pay FAQs (Rarely Answered)
Below are common questions we get asked about this topic.
Are Mississippi teacher salaries prorated if a teacher starts mid-year?
Yes. Salaries are adjusted based on the number of contract days worked. A teacher starting mid-year receives a prorated portion of their annual salary.
Can retired Mississippi teachers returning to the classroom earn above the standard pay scale?
Yes. Retired teachers can earn up to 125% of the salary schedule depending on local policy and needs during the 2024–2025 school year.
How do local salary supplements vary across Mississippi districts?
Supplements range from $500 to over $5,000 depending on district funding. For example, Gulfport offers a $5,000 supplement while others may offer less.
Are there additional pay incentives for teachers in critical shortage areas?
Yes. Teachers in critical shortage areas receive a $2,000 annual supplement, starting in 2025–2026. This is in addition to performance and certification bonuses.
Key Takeaways
- Starting teacher pay in Mississippi is $41,500 with annual raises based on experience and education.
- Veteran teachers with a doctorate and 35+ years earn up to $71,400.
- Districts add local supplements, creating wide pay differences across the state.
- Incentives for hard-to-fill roles and critical shortage areas can significantly increase total compensation.
- Benefits add value, especially retirement through PERS and state-backed health insurance.
- Legislation continues to drive increases, with potential raises coming in July 2025.
