Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Ridgeland, MS: $25.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Ridgeland, MS runs $25.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,151 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Ridgeland's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,896 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the elementary school teacher hourly pay in Ridgeland, MS, is projected to be $25.56, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.06. For those aiming to work part-time, such as a typical schedule of three days a week, this rate translates to a manageable earning capacity within various educational settings ranging from K-12 classrooms to special education environments. Per-diem positions might reflect similar compensation rates, allowing for flexible working arrangements. The hourly pay for elementary school teachers in Ridgeland spans a range from $20.30 for entry-level positions to $38.38 for more experienced educators, though numbers can vary by district and teaching specialties. This range allows for opportunities across public schools, charter schools, and other educational venues that have differing salary scales and benefits.
About the Ridgeland Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.30 | $162.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.54 | $196.31 |
| Median (P50) | $25.56 | $204.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.21 | $249.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.38 | $307.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ridgeland
Based on $25.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.56/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ridgeland, MS can expect to earn approximately $53,161 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,670. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ridgeland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ridgeland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,022.32 | $4,430 | $53,161 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $613.39 | $2,658 | $31,896 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $408.93 | $1,772 | $21,264 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Ridgeland) | $25.56 |
| Middle School Teacher (National Avg) | $32.16 |
| High School Teacher (National Avg) | $33.55 |
| Preschool Teacher (National Avg) | $18.53 |
| Special Education Teacher (National Avg) | $32.74 |
Elementary School Teachers in Ridgeland, MS earn a median of $53,151 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.72% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 4.00% below the Mississippi state average of $55,365.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.56/hr = $31,896/year (purchasing power: $37,219).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,161/year (purchasing power: $62,031).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Ridgeland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Ridgeland grew 7.2% from $23.61/hr (2019) to $25.31/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.81/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem elementary school teachers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ridgeland 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.
Working as an Hourly Elementary School Teacher in Ridgeland
Examining more closely the earning potential for part-time teachers in Ridgeland, a typical 24-hour work week could yield roughly $31,081 annually. This is significantly less than a full-time position, which benefits from a higher hourly rate due to comprehensive benefits received by full-time employees. Moreover, per diem opportunities are prevalent; substitutes can earn between $100 to $250 daily, depending on the district. Tutoring positions often pay more per hour, averaging between $30 and $80, particularly in specialized subjects or test preparation. Employers like public districts, charter networks, and private institutions offer different compensation strategies. While public schools might adhere to a step-and-lane pay structure, some charter schools provide competitive rates but less stability. Ultimately, many educators weigh the trade-off of lower hourly rates for comprehensive health benefits versus pursuing higher pay in positions lacking such support. Negotiating pay involves being well-informed about local rates and leveraging unique skills or additional certifications to secure a better hourly wage.
More salary data for Ridgeland, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for elementary school teachers in Ridgeland. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ridgeland 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