Elementary School Teacher in Jackson, MS

The Salary Picture: Where Jackson Stands

As a Jackson local, I can tell you that teaching in the capital city isn't a path to getting rich, but it provides a stable, middle-class living with a cost of living that’s more forgiving than many other places. The median salary for an Elementary School Teacher in the Jackson metro area is $61,893/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.76/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $63,670/year, but here in Mississippi, that dollar stretches further.

The job market is tight but steady. There are approximately 718 teaching jobs in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 1%. This isn't a booming market, but it’s stable. Teachers are always in need, especially in high-need subjects and schools, and turnover creates openings. For someone considering this move, stability is the keyword.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect at different career stages. Keep in mind, these are estimates based on local district pay scales (like Jackson Public Schools and surrounding districts like Rankin County and Madison County).

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$42,000 - $48,000	Typically starts at the bachelor's degree level. First-year teachers often start around $45k.
Mid-Career (5-10 years)	$55,000 - $68,000	This is where the median $61,893 falls, often with a master's degree and some experience.
Senior-Level (10-20 years)	$70,000 - $80,000	Requires a master’s degree + 30+ credits or a doctorate for the top of the pay scale.
Expert/Lead Teacher (20+ years)	$80,000+	Often includes stipends for leadership roles (e.g., mentor teacher, curriculum specialist).

Insider Tip: The biggest salary jumps come from advanced degrees. In Mississippi, moving from a Class A (Bachelor's) to a Class AA (Master's) license can add $3,000-$5,000 to your base salary immediately. Many Jackson teachers get their Master’s from local programs at Jackson State University or Belhaven University to maximize their earning potential.

Comparison to Other MS Cities:

• Jackson: $61,893. Lower cost of living.
• Gulfport/Biloxi: ~$60,500 (slightly lower pay, higher hurricane risk).
• Hattiesburg: ~$58,000 (lower pay, college town vibe).
• Southaven/Olive Branch (Memphis suburbs): ~$64,000 (higher pay, but much higher cost of living and traffic).
• Madison (suburb of Jackson): ~$65,000+ (higher pay, but significantly higher housing costs and school district expectations).

Jackson offers a middle ground: decent pay for the region, with a cost of living that makes it manageable.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the budget. On a $61,893 salary, your take-home pay after taxes (federal, state, FICA, and local taxes) will be roughly $4,600 - $4,800 per month, depending on your filing status and deductions.

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Jackson is $997/month. This is a realistic number for a decent place in a safe, convenient neighborhood. Let's break down a monthly budget for a single teacher earning the median salary.

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Details
Net Income	$4,700	After taxes/deductions
Rent (1BR)	$997	Average for a decent apartment
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water)	$180	Jackson's climate means high A/C bills in summer.
Groceries	$400	Shopping at local stores like Kroger, Whole Foods, or the Mississippi Farmers Market.
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	Most Jackson residents need a car. Insurance is moderate.
Fuel	$150	Commutes vary, but you'll be driving.
Health Insurance	$200	Districts offer plans, but premiums vary.
Retirement (PERS)	$250	Mandatory 9% deduction for MS Public Employees' Retirement System.
Misc. (Phone, Internet, etc.)	$300	Standard living expenses.
Leftover	$2,723	$1,723 after core expenses.

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, absolutely. This is one of Jackson's biggest advantages for teachers. The median home price in the Jackson metro is around $220,000 - $250,000. With $1,723 in discretionary income monthly, a teacher can comfortably save $800-$1,000/month for a down payment. A 20% down payment on a $230,000 home is $46,000, which is achievable in 4-5 years of disciplined saving. The Jackson real estate market is not as heated as Nashville or Austin, giving buyers more room to negotiate.

Insider Tip: Many teachers use the Mississippi Home Corporation's "First-Time Homebuyer" programs, which offer low-interest loans and down payment assistance. It's a great resource for educators.

Where the Jobs Are: Jackson's Major Employers

The teaching landscape in Jackson is a mix of public, private, and charter schools. Here are the major players:

1. Jackson Public Schools (JPS): The state's largest district, serving about 24,000 students. It's the primary employer for teachers in the city proper. Hiring is steady but competitive. They often have openings in high-need areas like special education, math, and science. Hiring Trend: Actively recruiting to combat teacher shortages, with signing bonuses for critical shortage areas sometimes offered.
2. Rankin County School District: Serves the suburbs of Pearl, Brandon, and Flowood. It's known for strong academic performance and higher pay scales than JPS. Commutes from Jackson can be 20-30 minutes. Hiring Trend: Very competitive; they attract teachers from across the region. Stability is high.
3. Madison County Schools: Serves the affluent suburbs of Madison and Ridgeland. This is the highest-paying district in the metro area, but the cost of living (especially housing) is higher. Hiring Trend: Extremely competitive. They often prefer candidates with advanced degrees and experience.
4. St. Andrew's Episcopal School: A prestigious private school in Jackson. Salaries are comparable to public schools but with smaller class sizes and more resources. Hiring Trend: Looks for teachers with specific pedagogical approaches and a strong commitment to private education.
5. Clinton Public School District: A growing district in the western suburbs. Offers a good balance of suburban life and competitive pay. Hiring Trend: Expanding as Clinton's population grows, creating more openings.
6. Charter Schools (e.g., Midtown Public Charter, Reimagine Prep): These are publicly funded but independently operated. They often have more flexible hiring and curriculum but may have longer hours and higher accountability. Hiring Trend: New charters open periodically, creating a demand for founding teachers.
7. Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board: While not a direct employer, it oversees the growing charter sector, which is a key source of new teaching jobs in Jackson.

Insider Tip: The best time to apply is in the spring (February-April) for the upcoming school year. Districts post openings on their websites and on platforms like the Mississippi Department of Education's job board.

Getting Licensed in MS

Mississippi has clear, structured licensing requirements managed by the Mississippi State Department of Education (MDE). It's not overly complicated but requires specific steps.

Requirements:

1. Bachelor's Degree: From an accredited university.
2. Teacher Preparation Program: Completed an approved program (e.g., at Jackson State, Belhaven, or an out-of-state program).
3. Passing Scores: You must pass the Praxis Core (basic skills) and the relevant Praxis Subject Assessments (e.g., Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects).
4. Background Check: A fingerprint-based criminal background check is mandatory.
5. Application: Submit an online application through the MDE's Certification System.

Costs (Estimates):

• Praxis Core: ~$130
• Praxis Subject Assessments: ~$130-$210 each
• Application Fee: ~$100
• Background Check: ~$50
• Total Upfront Cost: $400 - $600

Timeline to Get Started:

• If you're already licensed in another state: Mississippi has reciprocity, but you'll still need to apply for a MS license. The process can take 6-8 weeks. You may need to take additional MS-specific history or law courses, which are often available online through MDE-approved providers.
• If you're a recent graduate/new to teaching: The timeline is longer. You need to complete your program, pass exams, and apply. Expect 2-4 months from final transcript submission to receiving your license.

Insider Tip: Start the application process before you move. Contact the MDE's Office of Educator Licensure early. If you're coming from out of state, don't assume your license transfers seamlessly. Get everything in writing.

Best Neighborhoods for Elementary School Teachers

Jackson's neighborhoods are diverse, each with a different vibe and commute. Here are four solid options for teachers:

1. Belhaven (Inside Jackson):

   • Vibe: Historic, walkable, artsy. Home to Belhaven University and many young professionals.
   • Commute: 5-15 minutes to most JPS schools. Easy access to I-55.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,400 for a nice 1BR/2BR apartment or house.
   • Best For: Teachers who want an urban, community feel without a long commute.

2. Ridgeland (North Jackson Suburb):

   • Vibe: Upscale, suburban, with great shopping (The Township at Colony Park) and dining. Served by Madison County Schools.
   • Commute: 15-25 minutes to Jackson proper; 5-10 minutes to Madison County schools.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,600 for a modern 1BR/2BR.
   • Best For: Teachers seeking a polished, safe suburb with a quick commute to higher-paying district jobs.

3. Flowood (East Jackson Suburb):

   • Vibe: Family-oriented, growing, with good parks and new developments. Served by Rankin County Schools.
   • Commute: 20-30 minutes to central Jackson; 10-15 minutes to Rankin County schools.
   • Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,300 for a 1BR/2BR apartment or townhome.
   • Best For: Teachers with families or those who prioritize a suburban lifestyle and strong school districts.

4. Clinton (West Jackson Suburb):

   • Vibe: Historic small-town charm with college-town energy (Mississippi College). Tight-knit community.
   • Commute: 25-35 minutes to central Jackson (can be congested on I-20); 5 minutes to Clinton schools.
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,200 for a 1BR/2BR. More affordable than Ridgeland.
   • Best For: Teachers who want a distinct community feel and don't mind a longer commute to Jackson jobs.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Jackson is generally mild, but the I-55/I-20 interchange (the "Stack") can be a bottleneck during rush hour. If you commute to JPS from the suburbs, try to live in the direction of traffic (e.g., Flowood to JPS is against the grain, easier than Brandon to JPS).

The Long Game: Career Growth

Teaching in Jackson offers clear advancement paths beyond the classroom, though the 10-year job growth of 1% indicates that most growth will be internal (promotion to leadership) rather than a flood of new positions.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• National Board Certification: The ultimate career booster. Mississippi offers a $6,000 annual stipend for National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs). This is a significant raise and a mark of distinction. The process takes 1-3 years and costs about $1,900, but the return is massive.
• Advanced Degrees: As mentioned, a Master's (Class AA) or Specialist (Class AAA) degree is the primary way to move up the pay scale. In Jackson, a Master's can add $3,000-$5,000 to your base.
• Leadership Roles: After 3-5 years, teachers can move into roles like:
  • Instructional Coach: Mentors other teachers. Salary: $65,000 - $75,000.
  • Curriculum Specialist: Works on district-wide curriculum. Salary: $70,000 - $80,000.
  • Assistant Principal: The first step into administration. Requires a Master's and additional certification. Salary: $75,000 - $90,000.
  • Principal: Requires a Specialist or Doctorate. Salary: $95,000 - $120,000+.

10-Year Outlook:
The 1% growth means Jackson won't see a massive influx of new schools. However, the need for quality teachers is perpetual. Over the next decade, expect:

• Increased focus on STEM and Special Education: Teachers with certifications in these areas will have the most job security and mobility.
• Growth in charter and alternative schools: More options outside the traditional public system.
• Stagnant but stable public school enrollment: JPS and suburban districts will maintain their current size, with openings driven by retirements and turnover.

Insider Tip: The Mississippi Department of Education's "Grow Your Own" programs provide pathways for paraprofessionals to become certified teachers, often with financial support. If you're already in the area, this is a valuable route.

The Verdict: Is Jackson Right for You?

Jackson offers a unique proposition for teachers: a stable job with a salary that goes further than in most of the country. It's a city for those who value community, affordability, and a slower pace, but it requires tolerance for some of the South's challenges.

Here’s a quick summary:

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $61,893 salary feels like more.	Underfunded Public Schools (JPS): Some schools face resource challenges.
Stable Job Market: Teaching jobs are steady and predictable.	Weather: Hot, humid summers and potential for severe storms.
Strong Sense of Community: Neighbors know each other; Southern hospitality is real.	Limited Public Transit: A car is a necessity.
Multiple District Options: Choose from urban, suburban, or private schools.	Economic Challenges: The city's overall economy has struggled, impacting city services.
Easy Commute: No major traffic jams compared to larger cities.	Cultural/Political Environment: May not suit everyone's preferences.

Final Recommendation:
Jackson is an excellent choice for teachers who are: early-career professionals looking to buy a home, mid-career teachers seeking a change of pace with a lower cost of living, or educators who value a strong sense of community and don't mind a humid climate. It's less ideal for those seeking a bustling urban nightlife or who are dependent on public transportation.

If you're willing to engage with the community and navigate the local education landscape with an open mind, Jackson can provide a deeply rewarding career and a comfortable life.

FAQs

1. What's the job market really like for new teachers in Jackson?
It's competitive for the best positions (like in Madison or Rankin County), but there are always openings in Jackson Public Schools, especially in special education, math, and science. If you're open to charter schools or private schools, your chances increase. Networking with local educators on LinkedIn or through Mississippi's teacher forums can give you an edge.

2. How does the retirement system (PERS) work?
Mississippi has a defined benefit pension plan. You contribute 9% of your salary, and the state contributes as well. After 25 years of service (or at age 60 with 8 years), you're eligible for retirement benefits. It's a solid, traditional pension that provides good security for long-term teachers.

3. Is Jackson safe?
Like any city, safety varies by neighborhood. The suburbs (Flowood, Ridgeland, Madison) are generally very safe. Within Jackson, neighborhoods like Belhaven, Fondren, and the areas around Millsaps College are considered safe and have active neighborhood associations. It's crucial to research specific streets and visit before renting