Mississippi Teacher Salary

Average and starting teacher pay in Mississippi for 2024-25, ranked among all states.

Mississippi teacher salary at a glance

In 2024-25 the average public school teacher in Mississippi earned $54,975, according to NEA. That ranks 51st among the 50 states and D.C. and is $19,520 below the national average of $74,495. A year earlier the average was $53,704, so pay changed by 2.4%.

New teachers start lower. NEA's benchmark report puts the starting salary in Mississippi at $43,814, which ranks 43rd of 51. The national average starting salary is $48,112.

MississippiUnited States
Average salary 2024-25$54,975$74,495
Average salary 2023-24$53,704$71,985
Starting salary 2024-25$43,814$48,112
Average salary rank51 of 51
Starting salary rank43 of 51

States close to Mississippi in the ranking

Louisiana (49th, $56,785), Florida (50th, $56,663). See all states ranked or compare Mississippi with another state.

Average salary covers all public school teachers and is what NEA reports for 2024-25. Starting salary is the pay at the bottom of a bachelor's-degree salary schedule, as collected in NEA's benchmark report. Salary figures do not include benefits and are not adjusted for cost of living. Source: NEA, Rankings of the States 2025 and Estimates of School Statistics 2026 (average salary, Table B-6, April 2026) and NEA, 2024-2025 Teacher Salary Benchmark Report (starting salary, April 2026). Ranks are among the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Reviewed 2026-10-03.

Frequently asked questions

What is the average teacher salary in Mississippi?

NEA reports an average public school teacher salary of $54,975 in Mississippi for 2024-25, which ranks 51st of 51 (the 50 states and D.C.).

What is the starting teacher salary in Mississippi?

NEA's benchmark report lists a starting salary of $43,814 in Mississippi for 2024-25, ranking 43rd of 51.

How does Mississippi compare with the national average?

The national average teacher salary is $74,495. Mississippi is $19,520 below it. For starting pay, the national average is $48,112 and Mississippi is $4,298 below.

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