Entry-Level Elementary School Teacher Salary in Lawrence, MA: $61,650 (2026)
Quick Answer:New elementary school teachers entering the Lawrence, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $61,650 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 25-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lawrence's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $56,820 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($80,118) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates making their way into the teaching profession, the entry-level salary for an elementary school teacher in Lawrence, Massachusetts is projected to be around $61,650 in 2026. While this starting pay represents the lower tenth percentile, it establishes a clear pathway for career advancement, positioning inexperienced educators to work towards the city median salary of $80,118. Over the first few years, they can expect gradual growth: moving from the P10 pay of $61,650 to the P25 figure of $72,866, and eventually reaching the median figure as they gain experience and demonstrate effective teaching practices. Lawrence's competitive entry-level salaries suggest that it is a viable market for new graduates seeking opportunities, particularly when paired with the prospective benefits of job stability that public schools often provide.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lawrence
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 Lawrence
Entry-level elementary school teachers in Lawrence, MA typically start between $61,650 and $72,866 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $62,532 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $80,118 — 24.03% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average education program cost in Massachusetts of $92,000 represents just 149.23% of the starting elementary school teacher pay ($61,650/year) in Lawrence. 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 Lawrence
- 1Research the Lawrence market: entry-level elementary school teacher pay ranges from $61,650 to $72,866, 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 Lawrence, 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 Lawrence for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lawrence'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 Lawrence is $62,532 ( 101.43%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $61,650, experienced hygienists can earn up to $124,182.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$49,672
2025 BLS Actual
$61,052
2026 Current Est.
$61,650
2019–2027 Growth
+25.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,672 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,957 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,947 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,882 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,779 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,207 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,052 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,650 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,254 | Projected |
Entry-level elementary school teacher compensation (10th percentile) in Lawrence, MA grew 22.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $49,672 in 2019 to $61,052 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $62,254. New graduates entering the Lawrence job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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 Lawrence
When considering employment opportunities, most new elementary educators will find that public school districts like Lawrence Public Schools are significant employers in the area. These districts generally hire teachers through structured district-level applications and require state license verification to ensure qualified candidates. Alternative pathways, such as those offered by charter networks like KIPP, can provide additional avenues for those looking to begin their careers. Credentials such as a bachelor's degree and completion of state-approved teacher preparation programs are essential, and pursuing a master's degree or National Board Certification can enhance starting pay as well. New educators should remain aware of the industry's step-and-lane pay structure; how their salaries will likely increase in the first three years as they gain both experience and educational qualifications. While beginning teachers in some high-cost-of-living districts can earn between $80,000 and $120,000, Lawrence provides a stable foundation for new grad elementary school teacher pay in MA while presenting future salary growth potential based on commitment and performance.
More salary data for Lawrence, 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 Lawrence. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lawrence 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