Teachers · Public Employees
Mississippi Teacher Pension Calculator 2026
Public Employees' Retirement System of Mississippi (PERS). See your exact monthly pension, vesting timeline, and long-term income — free, no sign-up.
Pension multiplier
2.0%
Social Security
No ⚠️
Vesting
8 years
COLA
None
Your teacher pension breakdown
Select your state and fill in your details →
About the Public Employees' Retirement System of Mississippi (PERS)
The Public Employees' Retirement System of Mississippi (PERS) is Mississippi's primary retirement plan for public school teachers. It is a <strong>defined benefit</strong> plan, meaning your retirement income is guaranteed by formula — not dependent on market performance.
Your monthly pension is calculated as: Years of Service × 2.0% × Final Average Salary (averaged over your highest 4 years). For example, a teacher with 30 years of service and a $70,000 final average salary would receive approximately $3,500/month before any deductions.
Vesting: You must complete 8 years of service to vest. Before that point, leaving the system means forfeiting your pension benefit entirely (though you can withdraw your own contributions).
Cost-of-living adjustments (COLA): The Public Employees' Retirement System of Mississippi (PERS) does not currently provide automatic COLA increases. Your pension will remain fixed in nominal terms, which means inflation reduces its real value over time. Planning for supplemental savings (403b, Roth IRA) is especially important in Mississippi.
Employee contribution rate: Mississippi teachers contribute 9.0% of their salary to the pension system each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Mississippi have Social Security for teachers?
No. Mississippi teachers do not participate in Social Security. Your Public Employees' Retirement System of Mississippi (PERS) pension is your primary guaranteed retirement income. If you have Social Security earnings from other employment, the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) will likely reduce those benefits.
How many years to vest in the Public Employees' Retirement System of Mississippi (PERS)?
You need 8 years of service to vest. Once vested, you are entitled to a pension at normal retirement age even if you leave teaching before then.
What is the Mississippi teacher pension formula?
Your monthly pension = Years of Service × 2.0% × Final Average Salary (highest 4-year average). A teacher with 30 years and $70,000 FAS earns ~$3,500/month.
Does the Public Employees' Retirement System of Mississippi (PERS) have a COLA?
No. The Public Employees' Retirement System of Mississippi (PERS) does not provide automatic COLA increases. Your pension remains fixed in nominal dollars, so inflation erodes its purchasing power over time. Supplemental retirement savings are especially important for Mississippi teachers.
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