Entry-Level Elementary School Teacher Salary in Andover, MA: $60,558 (2026)
Quick Answer:New elementary school teachers entering the Andover, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $60,558 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 25-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Andover's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $55,814 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($77,785) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, new graduates entering the teaching profession in Andover, Massachusetts can expect a starting elementary school teacher salary of approximately $60,558. This entry-level pay is $17,227 lower than the city’s median annual salary of $77,785. For those beginning their careers, there is potential for salary growth; within just a few years, teachers can anticipate moving from the entry-level salary through the 25th percentile at $70,981 and towards the median. Given Andover's relatively high median salary and an annual growth rate of 0.98%, the market presents a favorable environment for recent graduates entering the education field, enhancing the motivation for new educators to establish their careers in this community.
About the Andover Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Andover
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 Andover
Entry-level elementary school teachers in Andover, MA typically start between $60,558 and $70,981 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $60,009 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $77,785 — 20.42% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average education program cost in Massachusetts of $92,000 represents just 151.92% of the starting elementary school teacher pay ($60,558/year) in Andover. 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 Andover
- 1Research the Andover market: entry-level elementary school teacher pay ranges from $60,558 to $70,981, 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 MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Andover, 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 Andover for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Andover'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 Andover is $60,009 ( 99.09%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $60,558, experienced hygienists can earn up to $120,567.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$48,791
2025 BLS Actual
$59,970
2026 Current Est.
$60,558
2019–2027 Growth
+25.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Andover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,791 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,054 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,956 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,856 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,720 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,936 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,970 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,558 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,151 | Projected |
Entry-level elementary school teacher compensation (10th percentile) in Andover, MA grew 22.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $48,791 in 2019 to $59,970 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $61,151. New graduates entering the Andover job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Andover 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 Andover
Several employers in Andover actively seek to hire new graduates for teaching positions. Public school districts typically recruit through formal applications and verify state licensing, making them primary employers in the area. Alternative certification programs also offer pathways for recent graduates, with organizations like Teach for America placing teachers in high-need schools. Aspiring educators should focus on acquiring a Bachelor's degree, completing a state-approved teacher preparation program or an alternative certification track, and obtaining their state teaching license. To maximize starting salaries, pursuing continuing education such as a Master's degree or National Board Certification can be beneficial. In the first few years, teachers in Andover can expect an upward trajectory in pay as they climb the step-and-lane scale, with increased earnings for STEM or special education roles that attract additional stipends. Exploring opportunities in public school districts, charter networks, and pursuing necessary credentials will position new graduates for success in launching their teaching careers in this competitive market.
More salary data for Andover, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Andover. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Andover 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