For state employees

Public service retirement paths.

Mississippi public workers typically rely on PERS plus an optional 457(b) deferred-compensation plan to close the savings gap.

PERS of Mississippi

Best for: State, county, municipal, and public school employees hired before 2011
Contribution: Employee + employer contribution set by statute
Benefit: Defined-benefit pension based on years of service and final average compensation
Note: Check your retirement tier and service credit in the PERS member portal.

PERS Tier 2 / 3

Best for: Public employees hired after the 2011 reforms
Contribution: Employee + employer contribution
Benefit: Retirement age and benefit formula differ from Tier 1
Note: Verify your tier with your HR office or PERS.

457(b) Deferred Compensation

Best for: State and local government employees
Contribution: Up to $23,500/year ($31,000 if age 50+)
Benefit: Tax-deferred supplemental savings; no early-withdrawal penalty at separation
Note: Often offered through MS state or county plans.

Visit PERS of Mississippi →MS Deferred Compensation 457(b)

PERS Benefit Calculator

Estimate your Mississippi public-service pension.

PERS provides a free benefit estimate calculator for members. Plug in your years of service, final average compensation, and retirement tier to get an unofficial estimate before requesting an official projection from PERS.

Open PERS benefit calculator →PERS member portal

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