Entry-Level Elementary School Teacher Salary in Jackson, MS: $39,948 (2026)
Quick Answer:New elementary school teachers entering the Jackson, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $39,948 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 25-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jackson's local price level (BEA RPP 89.0 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $44,861 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($50,732) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For those entering the education field, the starting elementary school teacher salary in Jackson, Mississippi presents a realistic pathway for new graduates. With an entry-level pay of $39,948, it’s important to set expectations during the initial years of teaching. This starting salary is notably below the city's median annual salary of $50,732, signaling that early-career professionals may experience a significant gap as they start their journey. However, as teachers gain experience, they can anticipate progression through the salary scale, moving from initial levels to P25 ($48,652) and eventually reaching the median over a span of three to five years. Jackson remains a decent market for new educators, balancing a lower cost of living index with pathways for growth that make teaching an attractive option for recent graduates pursuing a career in education.
Career Earnings Timeline in Jackson
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jackson
Entry-level elementary school teachers in Jackson, MS typically start between $39,948 and $48,652 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $21,508 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $50,732 — 21.46% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average education program cost in Mississippi of $35,000 represents just 87.61% of the starting elementary school teacher pay ($39,948/year) in Jackson. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover CAEP-accredited undergraduate education programs. Many states require a master's degree within a defined period after initial licensure. Testing costs (Praxis, state-specific exams) are additional.
Teacher Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Jackson
- 1Research the Jackson market: entry-level elementary school teacher pay ranges from $39,948 to $48,652, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the education field — employers in MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Jackson, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Jackson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Jackson's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Elementary School Teacher Compensation Range
The elementary school teacher wage spread in Jackson is $21,508 ( 53.84%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $39,948, experienced hygienists can earn up to $61,456.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,330
2025 BLS Actual
$39,560
2026 Current Est.
$39,948
2019–2027 Growth
+21.0%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,330 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,110 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,720 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,180 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,270 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,090 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,560 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,948 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,339 | Projected |
Entry-level elementary school teacher compensation (10th percentile) in Jackson, MS grew 18.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,330 in 2019 to $39,560 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $40,339. New graduates entering the Jackson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 0.98% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your education Career in Jackson
Employers across Jackson are actively seeking new graduates for teaching positions, particularly in public school districts, which typically hire through district-level applications complemented by state license verification. Charter networks like KIPP and Success Academy often recruit new teachers through alternative certification pathways, while Teach for America places educators in high-need areas for two-year commitments. To enhance starting pay in this region, candidates should focus on obtaining a Bachelor's degree, completing state-approved teacher preparation programs, and earning state certification by passing necessary exams such as the Praxis or edTPA. Within the first few years, teachers should also consider pursuing advanced credentials, as having a Master’s degree or obtaining National Board Certification can lead to better pay opportunities. Realistically, the step-and-lane salary structure allows for gradual growth, with many teachers seeing increases as they gain experience and potentially seek out positions in high-demand areas such as special education or STEM, which often come with additional stipends.
More salary data for Jackson, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new education graduates. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Jackson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.98%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for elementary school teachers (SOC 25-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov