What is the average teacher salary in Maine?

The average public-school teacher salary in Maine is approximately $53,902 per year (source: Maine Department of Education / NEA 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.

How does Maine teacher pay compare to the national average?

Maine teachers earn about 21% below 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.

Do Maine teachers get paid during the summer?

Most Maine 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 Maine?

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 Maine.

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

Yes. Almost every Maine 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 Maine

Maine teachers earn an average of $53,902 per year — 21% below the national average.

$53,902State Average

$32,000Entry-Level (BS)

#42National Rank

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Maine Teacher Salary Overview

$32,000Entry-Level Salary (BS+0)Starting pay for new teachers with a bachelor's degree

$53,902Average Teacher SalaryState average across all experience levels and districts

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

▼ Maine teachers earn 21% less than the national average (-$14,567)

How Maine Teacher Salaries Work

Maine salaries are set through district-level collective bargaining. Portland, South Portland, and Bangor tend to offer higher pay. Maine's lower average is partly due to many small rural districts.

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:

Maine has faced significant teacher shortages, particularly in rural areas and STEM subjects. The state has launched recruitment and retention programs to address this.

Top Hiring Districts in Maine

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.

Portland Public Schools117 open positions Rsu 60/msad 6036 open positions Rsu 1429 open positions Rsu 72/msad 7226 open positions Auburn Public Schools16 open positions Rsu 61/msad 619 open positions York Public Schools8 open positions Rsu 53/msad 534 open positions

245 total open positions across Maine school districts.

Browse All Maine Teaching Jobs

See the full picture

Maine ranks #42 nationally by raw salary. How does it rank after adjusting for cost of living?

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Ready to Teach in Maine?

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

Maine Certification Guide →

Ready to apply?

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

View Maine jobs → Browse by subject

Data sources: Maine Department of 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 Maine Department of Education.

Frequently asked questions about teacher salary in Maine

What is the average teacher salary in Maine?: The average public-school teacher salary in Maine is approximately $53,902 per year (source: Maine Department of Education / NEA 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.
How does Maine teacher pay compare to the national average?: Maine teachers earn about 21% below 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.
Do Maine teachers get paid during the summer?: Most Maine 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 Maine?: 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 Maine.
Does experience or a master's degree increase teacher pay in Maine?: Yes. Almost every Maine 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.