Entry-Level Elementary School Teacher Salary in Scarborough, ME: $48,153 (2026)
Quick Answer:New elementary school teachers entering the Scarborough, ME job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,153 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 25-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Scarborough's local price level (BEA RPP 99.6 — 0% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,346 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($61,386) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Scarborough, Maine, new graduates entering the field of elementary education can expect to see starting salaries around $48,153, while the overall median salary in the city is projected to be $61,386 in 2026. This indication reflects a substantial gap, suggesting early career teachers may start significantly lower than the median. However, aspiring educators can anticipate steady growth in their salaries as they advance within their first few years in the profession. With experience, entry-level teachers may see their pay rise to approximately $58,471 after a few years, aligning more closely with the local median. Currently, Scarborough presents a relatively stable job market for new graduates, particularly for those motivated to build a rewarding career in teaching.
About the Scarborough Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Scarborough
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Scarborough
Entry-level elementary school teachers in Scarborough, ME typically start between $48,153 and $58,471 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,467 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $61,386 — 4.97% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average education program cost in Maine of $60,000 represents just 124.60% of the starting elementary school teacher pay ($48,153/year) in Scarborough. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover CAEP-accredited undergraduate education programs. Many states require a master's degree within a defined period after initial licensure. Testing costs (Praxis, state-specific exams) are additional.
Teacher Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Scarborough
- 1Research the Scarborough market: entry-level elementary school teacher pay ranges from $48,153 to $58,471, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the education field — employers in ME often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Scarborough, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Scarborough for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Scarborough's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Elementary School Teacher Compensation Range
The elementary school teacher wage spread in Scarborough is $43,467 ( 90.27%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,153, experienced hygienists can earn up to $91,620.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,797
2025 BLS Actual
$47,686
2026 Current Est.
$48,153
2019–2027 Growth
+25.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Scarborough (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,797 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,801 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,699 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,210 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,692 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,918 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,686 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,153 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,625 | Projected |
Entry-level elementary school teacher compensation (10th percentile) in Scarborough, ME grew 22.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,797 in 2019 to $47,686 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,625. New graduates entering the Scarborough job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Scarborough metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 0.98% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your education Career in Scarborough
For those seeking their first teaching position in Scarborough, public school districts are the primary employers, typically recruiting through district-level applications and state license verification processes. Charter networks and organizations like Teach for America also provide alternative pathways for certification and employment, especially in high-need areas. To enhance their prospects, new teachers should ensure they possess the appropriate credentials, including a Bachelor’s degree, state teaching license, and completion of state-approved teacher preparation programs. While starting salaries may reflect the base entry-level figure, educators who pursue further education, such as a Master’s degree, can see long-term benefits on the pay scale, thanks to the step-and-lane structure that rewards additional qualifications. Given the competitive nature of education, especially in areas with reported teacher shortages in STEM and special education, new teachers in Scarborough should be proactive in networking and applying to various educational institutions, as this approach could yield salary growth and professional opportunities within the critical first three years of their careers.
More salary data for Scarborough, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for elementary school teachers in Scarborough in 2026?
How fast do elementary school teacher salaries grow in Scarborough?
Is education school worth it in Scarborough?
What do new elementary school teachers make right out of school in Scarborough?
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Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new education graduates. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Scarborough. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Scarborough is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.98%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for elementary school teachers (SOC 25-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov