Entry-Level Elementary School Teacher Salary in Vicksburg, MS: $42,272 (2026)
Quick Answer:New elementary school teachers entering the Vicksburg, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $42,272 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 25-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Vicksburg's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,326 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($53,151) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the teaching profession in Vicksburg, MS, the starting elementary school teacher salary is projected to be $42,272 in 2026. This figure sits beneath the city's median salary of $53,151, highlighting a notable gap. New graduates can expect to see gradual growth in their pay as they gain experience, moving from the entry-level figure to around $48,959 within a few years. This growth trajectory reflects the standard pay progression within the education sector, which is often dictated by a step-and-lane scale. Given the city's cost of living index, which is lower than the national average at 85.7, Vicksburg currently represents a reasonable market for fresh graduates looking to kickstart their teaching careers.
About the Vicksburg Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Vicksburg
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 Vicksburg
Entry-level elementary school teachers in Vicksburg, MS typically start between $42,272 and $48,959 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $37,697 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $53,151 — 17.72% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average education program cost in Mississippi of $35,000 represents just 82.80% of the starting elementary school teacher pay ($42,272/year) in Vicksburg. 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 Vicksburg
- 1Research the Vicksburg market: entry-level elementary school teacher pay ranges from $42,272 to $48,959, 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 Vicksburg, 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 Vicksburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Vicksburg'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 Vicksburg is $37,697 ( 89.18%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $42,272, experienced hygienists can earn up to $79,969.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,059
2025 BLS Actual
$41,862
2026 Current Est.
$42,272
2019–2027 Growth
+25.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Vicksburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,059 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,940 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,362 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,689 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,989 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,211 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,862 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,272 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,687 | Projected |
Entry-level elementary school teacher compensation (10th percentile) in Vicksburg, MS grew 22.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,059 in 2019 to $41,862 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $42,687. New graduates entering the Vicksburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Vicksburg 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 Vicksburg
When seeking positions, new graduates will typically find opportunities within local public school districts that employ entry-level teachers through structured application processes and state license verification. These districts are the primary gateway for new educators, while charter networks, such as KIPP, often recruit through alternative certification pathways for candidates who meet specific qualifications. Completing a state-approved teacher preparation program, passing required exams like the Praxis, and obtaining state licensure can enhance starting pay significantly. In Mississippi, pursuing a Master's degree or National Board Certification may further elevate an educator’s salary over time. New teachers need to understand that most public school districts in Vicksburg align with a step-and-lane pay scale, which means salary increases are often tied to years of experience and educational attainment. With realistic salary growth expectations of around 0.98% annually, new teachers can work towards stable advancement in their early careers.
More salary data for Vicksburg, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for elementary school teachers in Vicksburg in 2026?
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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 Vicksburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Vicksburg is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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