Elementary School Teacher Salary in Jackson, MS: $50,732 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Jackson, MS earns a median $50,732/year (≈ $24.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Jackson's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.0), that paycheck buys what $56,972 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.4% below the Mississippi state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for elementary school teachers in Jackson, Mississippi, is $50,732, which reflects a gap of approximately 21.46% compared to the national median of $64,597. Local educators can expect salaries to range from $39,948 at the 10th percentile to $61,456 at the 90th percentile, providing a meaningful spectrum of compensation for teaching professionals. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys and projected to 2026, highlights the challenges teachers face in a market that may not fully align with the rising costs of living. Given Jackson's affordable Cost of Living Index of 89.048, this salary framework indicates that local educators can maintain a decent quality of life despite facing lower salaries than their counterparts in higher-cost areas.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,948 | $19.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,652 | $23.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,732 | $24.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,063 | $28.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,456 | $29.55 |
Median Salary Position
21.46% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jackson
In Jackson, MS, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,508 (2026 est.). At $50,732, the local median is 21.46% below the national median of $64,597.
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How Jackson Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Jackson median: $50,732/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Jackson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $55,385 | -8.40% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | -21.46% less |
Elementary School Teachers in Jackson, MS earn a median of $50,732 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.46% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 8.40% below the Mississippi state average of $55,385.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Jackson has a cost of living 10.95% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Jackson, MS has a cost-of-living index of 89.048 (below the national average of 100). A elementary school teacher earning $50,732 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $56,972 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,480
2025 BLS Actual
$50,240
2026 Current Est.
$50,732
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
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 | $42,480 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,190 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,840 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,660 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,980 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,690 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,240 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,732 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,230 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Jackson metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 18.3% from $42,480 (2019) to $50,240 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,230 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,750 (20.60%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $39,948 – $48,652 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,652 – $50,732 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,732 – $59,063 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,063 – $61,456 |
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 Jackson
With approximately 2,430 elementary school teachers employed in Jackson, the local job market suggests a stable demand for educators in the region. The relatively low Cost of Living Index means that, while salaries may lag behind national averages, teachers can benefit from increased purchasing power. Within Jackson, the K-12 public school district remains a significant employer, although charter networks and private schools also contribute to the diverse teaching landscape. The variance between salary levels can be attributed to factors such as district pay scales, special education and STEM stipends, and additional responsibilities like tutoring or summer school contracts. To maximize earnings, educators might consider pursuing advanced degrees or acquiring National Board Certification, both of which can enhance their standing on the salary scale. Engaging with professional organizations like the NEA or AFT can also provide insights into pathways for pay growth tailored specifically to the Jackson, MS area.
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
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 $50,240 for elementary school teachersin the Jackson 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
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