Do Massachusetts teachers get paid during the summer?

Most Massachusetts districts pay teachers on a 12-month schedule even though instructional time is ~10 months — the annual salary is spread evenly across the year. Some districts offer a 10-month payment option; check your district's HR for specifics.

What's the highest-paying school district in Massachusetts?

Pay scales vary district-to-district. Districts in higher cost-of-living areas typically offer higher base salaries. The "Top Hiring Districts" list on this page shows districts currently hiring across Massachusetts.

Does experience or a master's degree increase teacher pay in Massachusetts?

Yes. Almost every Massachusetts district uses a step-and-lane salary schedule: "steps" reward years of teaching experience and "lanes" reward degree level (BA, BA+15, MA, MA+30, etc.). Earning a master's typically adds $3,000–$8,000 annually depending on the district.

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2026 Salary Guide

Teacher Salaries in Massachusetts

Q: What is the average teacher salary in Massachusetts?

The average public-school teacher salary in Massachusetts is approximately $83,622 per year (source: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education / NEA 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.

Q: How does Massachusetts teacher pay compare to the national average?

Massachusetts teachers earn about 22% above the national average of $68,469 (National Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24). Cost of living in your specific city plays a big role in how that translates to take-home value.

Massachusetts teachers earn an average of $83,622 per year — 22% above the national average.

$83,622State Average

$46,262Entry-Level (BS)

#6National Rank

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Massachusetts Teacher Salary Overview

$46,262Entry-Level Salary (BS+0)Starting pay for new teachers with a bachelor's degree

$83,622Average Teacher SalaryState average across all experience levels and districts

$68,469National AverageNational Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24

▲ Massachusetts teachers earn 22% more than the national average (+$15,153)

How Massachusetts Teacher Salaries Work

Massachusetts has the sixth-highest average teacher salary in the nation. Salaries are negotiated locally; Brookline, Weston, Newton, and Wellesley offer some of the highest starting salaries nationally. Boston Public Schools and Worcester also offer competitive pay.

Key Factors That Affect Your Salary

Years of Experience (Steps): Salaries increase with each additional year of teaching service.
Education Level (Lanes): A master's degree, specialist degree, or doctorate earns a higher salary lane.
District: Each district sets its own salary schedule above the state minimum. Urban and suburban districts near major metro areas typically pay more.
Subject Area: Some districts offer bonuses or supplements for high-demand areas like special education, STEM, and bilingual education.

Additional context:

Massachusetts consistently ranks near the top for education quality and teacher pay. Strong collective bargaining agreements and high cost of living in the Greater Boston area drive high salaries.

Top Hiring Districts in Massachusetts

These districts currently have the most open teaching positions on EduJobsBoard. Districts with more openings are often the most actively growing or have the most competitive pay.

Clinton15 open positions

15 total open positions across Massachusetts school districts.

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Massachusetts ranks #6 nationally by raw salary. How does it rank after adjusting for cost of living?

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Ready to Teach in Massachusetts?

Before you start earning those salaries, you'll need a valid Massachusetts teaching certificate. Learn about degree requirements, required exams, and the certification timeline.

Massachusetts Certification Guide →

Ready to apply?

Browse current teaching positions in Massachusetts — apply directly on district sites.

View Massachusetts jobs → Browse by subject

Data sources: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education / NEA 2023–24. Salary figures represent approximate state averages and minimums; actual pay varies by district, experience, and education level. For the most current salary schedules, consult your district's human resources department or the Massachusetts Department of Education.