Entry-Level Elementary School Teacher Salary in Medford, MA: $64,077 (2026)
Quick Answer:New elementary school teachers entering the Medford, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $64,077 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 25-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Medford's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,057 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($81,178) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the teaching profession in Medford, Massachusetts, the starting elementary school teacher salary is projected to be around $64,077 in 2026. While this figure may initially seem modest, it is important to consider the larger context. The median salary for all elementary school teachers in the area is forecasted to reach $81,178, highlighting the potential for growth as one gains experience. Over the first three to five years, entry-level teachers can realistically expect to advance through the pay scales, with movement towards the $75,100 threshold at the 25th percentile. Medford's salary offerings are notably more competitive than the national median of $64,597, making it a reasonably inviting market for new educators embarking on their careers.
About the Medford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Medford
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 Medford
Entry-level elementary school teachers in Medford, MA typically start between $64,077 and $75,100 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $61,749 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $81,178 — 25.67% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average education program cost in Massachusetts of $92,000 represents just 143.58% of the starting elementary school teacher pay ($64,077/year) in Medford. 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 Medford
- 1Research the Medford market: entry-level elementary school teacher pay ranges from $64,077 to $75,100, 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 Medford, 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 Medford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Medford'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 Medford is $61,749 ( 96.37%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $64,077, experienced hygienists can earn up to $125,826.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,627
2025 BLS Actual
$63,455
2026 Current Est.
$64,077
2019–2027 Growth
+25.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Medford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,627 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,963 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,149 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,161 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,132 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,021 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,455 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,077 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,705 | Projected |
Entry-level elementary school teacher compensation (10th percentile) in Medford, MA grew 22.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,627 in 2019 to $63,455 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,705. New graduates entering the Medford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Medford 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 Medford
As prospective teachers navigate their options in Medford, it's essential to understand the local hiring landscape. Public school districts remain the largest employers, typically hiring new graduates through established district-level applications and requiring state licensure. In contrast, charter schools like KIPP may utilize alternative certification methods, presenting different pathways into teaching. For those seeking to boost their starting pay, holding a Bachelor's degree and completing a state-approved teacher preparation program are critical steps, along with passing exams like the Praxis or edTPA. Initial years in the profession will see pay advances according to the step-and-lane scale, with many teachers benefiting from additional stipends for specialty areas such as special education or STEM. Overall, while first-year salaries in Medford may seem modest compared to more expensive urban districts, the growth trajectory for new educators can be substantial in this high-cost living area.
More salary data for Medford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for elementary school teachers in Medford in 2026?
How fast do elementary school teacher salaries grow in Medford?
Is education school worth it in Medford?
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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 Medford. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Medford 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