Massachusetts Teacher Salaries

Fall in Massachusetts: the leaves turn dazzling colors, the temperature starts dropping, and teachers return to school after a long summer vacation. The weather may be chilly, but educators might feel just a bit warmer inside knowing that in Massachusetts, teacher salaries are the third highest in the nation. At $68,000, average teacher salaries are almost 23 percent higher than the U.S. average, according to the National Education Association.

Of course, the average earnings are just a basic guideline. A number of factors affect Massachusetts teaching salaries, including the grade level you teach, how much experience you have, and whether you hold an advanced education degree. For example, elementary school teachers at the entry level earn $44,020, but the average overall salary for elementary school teachers in Massachusetts is $60,810. As teachers gain experience, compensation goes up accordingly: experienced elementary school teachers earned nearly $70,000 in 2009.*

Massachusetts teacher salaries also show quite a bit of geographic variation. Below are average secondary school teacher salaries for five of the largest metropolitan areas in the state.** Keep in mind that other cities and towns have teacher salaries commensurate with the cost of living.

• Boston/Cambridge: $62,400
• Brockton: $60,560
• Lowell: $59,330
• Springfield: $57,350
• Worcester: $57,380

Don't forget that another bonus of being a teacher is the generous benefits packages—worthwhile compensation for spending your weekdays at the front of the classroom and more than a few weekend hours grading papers. Besides impressively high Massachusetts teacher salaries, educators generally also receive health and retirement benefits, credit union membership, and tuition reduction for earning a master's degree at or higher.***

Teacher World can help you learn more about becoming a teacher in Massachusetts. Research your teacher training options at any number of accredited education programs to find out with one is right for you.

Sources:
*Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
** U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
*** Boston Public Schools

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