Elementary School Teacher Salary in Columbus, MS: $52,056 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Columbus, MS earns a median $52,056/year (≈ $25.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Columbus's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $60,742 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.0% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, elementary school teachers in Columbus, Mississippi, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $52,056, which reflects a notable gap compared to the national median of $64,597. The salary range spans from $39,538 at the 10th percentile to $77,922 at the 90th percentile, suggesting significant variability in earnings based on experience and specialization. These figures derive from estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and adjusted for local economic factors. Notably, teachers who fill roles in special education, STEM, or bilingual education may benefit from shortage stipends, which can enhance their base pay and provide additional financial incentives in a job market that values these critical skills.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,538 | $19.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,816 | $23.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,056 | $25.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,469 | $30.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77,922 | $37.46 |
Median Salary Position
19.41% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbus
In Columbus, MS, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,384 (2026 est.). At $52,056, the local median is 19.41% below the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbus: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Columbus Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Columbus median: $52,056/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbus Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $55,379 | -6.00% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | -19.41% less |
Elementary School Teachers in Columbus, MS earn a median of $52,056 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.41% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 6.00% below the Mississippi state average of $55,379.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbus has a cost of living 14.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbus, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A elementary school teacher earning $52,056 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,742 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,086
2025 BLS Actual
$51,551
2026 Current Est.
$52,056
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,086 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,109 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,480 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,714 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,317 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,682 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,551 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,056 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,566 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbus metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $48,086 (2019) to $51,551 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,566 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,480 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbus 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $39,538 – $49,816 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,816 – $52,056 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,056 – $63,469 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,469 – $77,922 |
Teacher salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual elementary school teacher compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Elementary School Teacher Job Market in Columbus
Eight elementary school teachers are currently employed in Columbus, indicating a limited but stable job market for this profession. The local cost-of-living index stands at 85.7, which is below the national average of 100, suggesting that while salaries may be lower than the national level, they are relatively more favorable when adjusted for local purchasing power. Among local employers, K-12 public school districts generally adhere to the step-and-lane pay structure, rewarding teachers for their years of experience and educational credentials. Strategies to enhance pay could include pursuing advanced degrees or National Board Certification, which could elevate teachers within the salary scale. Furthermore, engaging in summer school contracts or after-school tutoring roles can also provide supplemental income, making it essential for educators in Columbus to consider all available pathways to maximize their earning potential.
More salary data for Columbus, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $51,551 for elementary school teachersin the Columbus metropolitan area. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Columbus 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