Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MS Board of Education
K-12 Teacher Licensing in Mississippi
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for k-12 teacher in Mississippi, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for K-12 Teacher in Mississippi
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Specific course required
- Examination: No exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: No experience required
- Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Continuing Education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Mississippi Department of Education • MS Board of Education
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$48,440 median (22% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#48 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
Salary Insights in Mississippi
With a median salary of 48,440, K-12 Teachers in Mississippi earn 22% below the national median of $62,340. Mississippi ranks #48 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$48,440Hourly estimate
$23.2922% below national median
Difference: -$13,900
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationK-12 Teacher Salary Ranking
#48 of 50 statesfor K-12 Teacher median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | 99,110 |
| #2 | California | 98,190 |
| #3 | Rhode Island | 86,900 |
| #4 | Massachusetts | 83,260 |
| #5 | New York | 82,480 |
Nearby States Comparison
K-12 Teacher licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | $48,440 | Specific course required | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Tennessee | $52,690 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Alabama | $59,850 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Louisiana | $52,280 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Arkansas | $50,550 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alabama | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Louisiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arkansas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Mississippi Department of Education • MS Board of Education
P.O. Box 771, Jackson, MS, 39205-0771
Phone: 6013593483
Related Careers in Mississippi
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Librarian | $50,320 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| School Counselor | $59,630 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Architect | $79,040 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Audiologist | $61,150 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a K-12 Teacher in Mississippi?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for K-12 Teachers in Mississippi?
Mississippi lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for K-12 Teachers.
What education do you need to become a K-12 Teacher in Mississippi?
The board typically expects Specific course required for K-12 Teacher licensure in Mississippi.
What is the typical K-12 Teacher salary in Mississippi?
The median annual salary for K-12 Teachers in Mississippi is 48,440. Salaries range from $37,960 (10th percentile) to $59,630 (90th percentile).
How does the K-12 Teacher salary in Mississippi compare to the national average?
K-12 Teachers in Mississippi earn 22% below the national median of $62,340, with a state median of 48,440.
How many K-12 Teachers work in Mississippi?
Mississippi employs approximately 11,680 K-12 Teachers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my K-12 Teacher license to Mississippi from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for K-12 Teachers in Mississippi?
The licensing agency is Mississippi Department of Education / MS Board of Education. Review agency details at https://www.mdek12.org/.