Entry-Level Elementary School Teacher Salary in Plymouth, MA: $61,255 (2026)
Quick Answer:New elementary school teachers entering the Plymouth, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $61,255 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 25-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Plymouth's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $56,456 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($82,714) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Plymouth, MA, those entering the teaching profession as new elementary school teachers can expect a starting salary of approximately $61,255 in 2026. This initial pay can feel modest compared to the city’s median annual salary for teachers, which is projected to be $82,714. However, early-career educators have the potential for salary growth as they gain experience and potentially advance in their educational qualifications. Over the first three to five years of teaching, individuals can typically move toward the $73,433 range at the 25th percentile, eventually working their way to the city’s median salary as they accumulate years of service and add qualifications. Given these figures, Plymouth presents a favorable job market for new graduates looking to enter the teaching field, particularly if they are planning long-term careers in education.
About the Plymouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Plymouth
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 Plymouth
Entry-level elementary school teachers in Plymouth, MA typically start between $61,255 and $73,433 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $66,951 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $82,714 — 28.05% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average education program cost in Massachusetts of $92,000 represents just 150.19% of the starting elementary school teacher pay ($61,255/year) in Plymouth. 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 Plymouth
- 1Research the Plymouth market: entry-level elementary school teacher pay ranges from $61,255 to $73,433, 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 Plymouth, 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 Plymouth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Plymouth'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 Plymouth is $66,951 ( 109.30%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $61,255, experienced hygienists can earn up to $128,206.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$49,353
2025 BLS Actual
$60,661
2026 Current Est.
$61,255
2019–2027 Growth
+25.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,353 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,631 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,589 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,512 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,396 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,733 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,661 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,255 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,856 | Projected |
Entry-level elementary school teacher compensation (10th percentile) in Plymouth, MA grew 22.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $49,353 in 2019 to $60,661 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $61,856. New graduates entering the Plymouth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plymouth 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 Plymouth
In terms of employment opportunities for new graduates in Plymouth, local public school districts represent the primary source of entry-level positions. These districts generally hire through centralized applications, requiring a state teaching license to verify qualifications. Alternative routes, such as pathways offered by charter networks like KIPP or Teach for America, provide additional avenues for those just starting out. With a bachelor's degree in hand and completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program, candidates can position themselves effectively for these roles. Furthermore, investing in continuing education—like obtaining a master's degree or pursuing National Board Certification—can enhance salary prospects. First-year teachers typically find their salaries tied to a step-and-lane scale based on experience and educational attainment, with realistic growth expectations in the early years ranging from salary adjustments for increased experience and advanced degrees. As the educational landscape continues to evolve, building experience in high-demand subjects or areas like special education can also yield additional salary incentives, enhancing long-term career viability in this promising sector.
More salary data for Plymouth, 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 Plymouth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Plymouth 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